The transport sector's contribution to the exacerbation of the thorny problem for humankind, that of climate change, was the framework subject of the one-day conference organized by ΙΕΝΕ at the Evgenides Foundation. As stressed, the aim is that of elaborating and applying an integrated transport planning policy, with a clear vision, quantified goals, and strategies and measures, as transport counts for 39.6% of end energy consumption in Greece.
Furthermore, in the total energy consumption corresponding to transport, especially in cities, private cars participate with 61%, buses with 1%, the metro with 1% and public vehicles with 37%. The common European goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by the year 2020 compared to their 1990 levels. This requires a 20% improvement in energy efficiency, a 20% increase in the RES penetration rate in the energy mix and a 10% increase of biofuels used for transport.
In the context of the common European campaign, Greece is making important efforts to protect the environment, Mr. Costis Hadzidakis, minister of Transport stressed in his message to the conference's participants. The environment, he continued, is a top priority. At the Ministry of Transport, a ministry directly related to the environment, as the road sector is responsible for 40% of carbon dioxide emissions and 70% of gas emissions, we are building a «green» policy, which is based on two axes. One is the upgrading of public transportation means, with particular emphasis on the promotion of fixed rail means, and the other is the promotion of alternative ways of commuting, such as the bicycle. We are working methodically and decisively. It is our duty. We do not have the right to remain inert where environmental issues are concerned, the Transport minister stated.
As Mr. K. Maniatopoulos, IENE's chairman, pointed out, a national effort of rational energy management is needed, aimed especially at the two energy-draining sectors of transport and buildings. During the conference's first session, coordinated by the chairman of IENE's Environment Committee, Dr. M. Patsoules, current data were presented in their contributions by Prof. N. Stathopoulos, chairman of TRAM SA, Ms. A. Kopsacheili, secretary general of SES, and transport expert Mr. P. Kassapis, chairman of IENE's Energy & Transport Committee. In the session coordinated by Mr. A. Vrachnos, chairman of the Ministry of Transport's Permanent Committee on Green Transport, Mr.Claudio Cicatiello, chairman of the Transport Committee of CEEP (Rome) referred extensively to European experiences, while the speeches of Messrs. A. Sgourakis, director of gas-propelled transport at the Public Gas Corporation (DEPA), M. Toskounoglou, director of the Environment Sector of Toyota Hellas, and architect-town planner Dr. S. Tsetsis, were of great interest.