Environmental Sustainability & Transportation Flashcards

What is the environmental advantage of permeable pavement over traditional asphalt?

Answer: It allows stormwater to infiltrate the ground, reducing runoff and pollution

Permeable pavement allows rainwater to pass through to the soil below, reducing stormwater runoff that carries pollutants into waterways.

What does 'complete streets' policy mean in the context of sustainable transportation?

Answer: Roads designed to safely accommodate all users including pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders

Complete streets are designed to enable safe access for all users regardless of age or ability, encouraging walking and cycling instead of driving.

Which type of transportation fuel produces the most carbon dioxide (CO2) per unit of energy when burned?

Answer: Coal-derived liquid fuel

Coal-derived liquid fuels have the highest carbon intensity, producing more CO2 per unit of energy than conventional gasoline or diesel.

What environmental issue does 'anti-idling' policy for trucks and buses primarily address?

Answer: Air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from unnecessary engine operation

Anti-idling policies reduce air pollutants including particulate matter, NOx, and CO2 emitted when vehicles run their engines while stationary.

What is 'induced demand' and why is it a sustainability concern in transportation?

Answer: New road capacity attracts more drivers, negating congestion relief and increasing total emissions

Induced demand describes how expanding road capacity attracts new vehicle trips, often filling new lanes quickly and resulting in no long-term congestion reduction while increasing total emissions.

What role does transit-oriented development (TOD) play in reducing transportation emissions?

Answer: It concentrates housing and jobs near transit hubs to reduce car dependency

TOD places housing, retail, and employment near transit stations so residents can meet daily needs without driving, reducing vehicle miles traveled and emissions.

How does the Federal Highway Administration's INVEST tool support sustainable transportation?

Answer: It provides a sustainability rating system for evaluating highway projects and programs

INVEST (Infrastructure Voluntary Evaluation Sustainability Tool) is an FHWA tool that helps transportation agencies self-evaluate sustainability performance across planning, design, and operations.