Methodology for energy efficiency assessment in the transport sector for smart cities

Abstract

To measure the impact of transport projects in smart cities can be expensive and time-consuming. One challenge in measuring the effect of these projects is that impacts are poorly quantified or are not always immediately tangible. Due to transport projects nature, it is often difficult to show results in short term because much of the effort is invested in changing attitudes and behaviour on the mobility choices of city inhabitants. This paper presents a methodology that was developed to evaluate and define city transport projects for increasing energy efficiency. The main objective of this methodology is to help city authorities to improve the energy efficiency of the city by defining strategies and taking actions in the transportation domain. In order to define it, a review of current methodologies for measuring the impact of energy efficiency projects was performed. The defined energy efficiency methodology provides standard structure to the evaluation process, making sure that each project is being evaluated against its own goals and as detailed as it is required to the level of investment. An implementation in a smart city of the first step of this methodology is included in order to evaluate the implementation phase of the defined process.