Towards a carbon-neutral waste management: an assessment of the potential CO2 emissions reductions from waste transport optimization
Kauhanen, Laura (2024)
2024
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024121937507
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024121937507
Tiivistelmä
The aim of this thesis is to assess the potential for CO2 emissions reductions in waste transport through route optimization.
The theoretical framework for the thesis consists of waste legislation, energy- and climate strategy and industry-based roadmaps towards a carbon neutral society. I also review previous studies regarding the same subject. In Finland´s climate strategy, the renewing of the car fleet, alternative fuels and improving the efficiency of traffic system are listed as main action points to achieve the transports sector´s climate goals. However, while the renewal of car fleets is very slow, automatization and digitalization offer much faster and cost-saving ways to reduce emissions. These actions are synergistic and may lead Finland towards carbon neutrality and eventually to a zero-emissions society.
The study was developed along a work-related project for the software company Vitec Tietomitta Oy. The project is developing the company's route optimization tools and to investigate whether there is a demand for these types of products in the market and whether it is worth investing more resources in them.
The execution of the work was based on the application of ArcGIS Network Analyst tools and making calculations based on the results. Based on the optimized driving distance, saved fuel, costs and emission reductions were calculated.
Tests and calculations suggest that with route optimization it is possible to reduce the trucks ‘travel distance, fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions, but there are many uncertainties in the comparison of driven and optimized routes, which need to be studied in more detail.
The theoretical framework for the thesis consists of waste legislation, energy- and climate strategy and industry-based roadmaps towards a carbon neutral society. I also review previous studies regarding the same subject. In Finland´s climate strategy, the renewing of the car fleet, alternative fuels and improving the efficiency of traffic system are listed as main action points to achieve the transports sector´s climate goals. However, while the renewal of car fleets is very slow, automatization and digitalization offer much faster and cost-saving ways to reduce emissions. These actions are synergistic and may lead Finland towards carbon neutrality and eventually to a zero-emissions society.
The study was developed along a work-related project for the software company Vitec Tietomitta Oy. The project is developing the company's route optimization tools and to investigate whether there is a demand for these types of products in the market and whether it is worth investing more resources in them.
The execution of the work was based on the application of ArcGIS Network Analyst tools and making calculations based on the results. Based on the optimized driving distance, saved fuel, costs and emission reductions were calculated.
Tests and calculations suggest that with route optimization it is possible to reduce the trucks ‘travel distance, fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions, but there are many uncertainties in the comparison of driven and optimized routes, which need to be studied in more detail.