Category Archives: Environment and Climate

New research platform for better roads – and more

VTI Mobile Research Platform, MRP, is one of the world's most advanced measuring vehicles, which will enable safer traffic and more sustainable transport in the future. It can also be used for completely different tasks. VTI Mobile Research Platform. Photo: VTI. The new research platform...

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Large amounts of microplastics from worn road markings

The wear and tear of road markings is an important source of microplastic emissions. The amounts are difficult to calculate but are estimated to be at the same level as emissions from other significant and already-known sources. This is shown in a new study from VTI. Ida Järlskog, researcher...

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Green light for new innovation programme

ShiftSweden one of five new innovation programmes that will form part of a ten-year Swedish initiative in the transition to a sustainable society. Vinnova, the Swedish Energy Agency and Formas announced decisions today as part of their Impact Innovation call, which involves a major investment in...

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Possible breakthrough for airless tyres in EU project

Reduced material use, noise levels and rolling resistance. Airless tyres could provide such benefits. A design breakthrough may be on the horizon within LEON-T, an EU research and development project that has 10 partners. VTI is participating through Research Leader Ulf Sandberg. He is responsible...

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HCT: Do longer trucks affect road safety?

Trials of longer, heavier vehicles have shown that they can help reduce climate impact by increasing transport efficiency. Fewer trucks carrying more cargo in a single consignment use less fuel per tonne of goods transported, which in turn results in lower emissions. Several ongoing projects...

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Iceland’s Highland Roads Facilitate Plant Invasions

A study on Icelandic highland roads found a surge in non-native plants due to human activity and climate change. This poses a threat to Iceland's fragile ecosystems, as invasive species, facilitated by roads and rising temperatures, jeopardize the biodiversity and scenic beauty of the...

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Proposed tax increases for electric cars will increase greenhouse gas emissions

Full toll rates and VAT for electric cars will reduce the profitability of owning electric cars and increase greenhouse gas emissions from passenger cars in Oslo up to 2030. Photo: Charging electric cars / Shutterstock This is the main conclusion in a new TØI report, commissioned by the...

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The role of public transport within social and planetary boundaries

The way of living today, not least how we travel, put our planet under an unsustainable pressure. The term “planetary boundaries” is developed within earth science, and in short, is a way of expressing how much the planet can tolerate. If we don’t adapt our lifestyle to fit these defined...

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Greener Lighthouses

The goal of the research was to look at more environmentally friendly energy backup power solutions for Iceland´s lighthouses. The practicality of fuel cell solutions was specifically examined, but this research also investigated wind turbine utilization. This research was funded by the Icelandic...

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The risk of road accidents increases as more and more roads become polished

In recent years, there have been a number of serious road accidents due to motorists skidding off the road. The reason is believed to be that the country's roads are becoming increasingly smooth. VTI has investigated the cause of the problem in a pilot study. New designs of studded tyres, a rise...

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