Households account for around one quarter of Brisbane’s total carbon footprint – and half of the carbon footprint of a typical Brisbane household is due to transport.
Driving less or choosing low-emission vehicles are the obvious options to reduce your transport carbon emissions, but they are not the only ones! We’ve compiled a list of tips to help you take action.
Take public transport
We’re lucky to have an extensive public transport network in Brisbane, with one of the largest and most sustainable bus fleets in Australia. We also have ferry services along the Brisbane River, a train network and we’ll soon have all-electric, turn-up-and-go Metros. Our commitment to accessibility means that everyone, including those with wheelchairs and prams, can easily ride with us. Plus, buses and trains are fully air-conditioned, making your commute comfortable - even in summer.
TransLink has got you covered with all the information you need to know to take public transport. Their journey planner will help you choose the best route and find ticket and fare information. By using a go card, you’ll save more than if you purchase paper tickets, and off-peak travel is even cheaper. You can also find information about discounted fares and ways to save on Translink’s website.
Get moving with active travel
You’ll discover many advantages by choosing to walk, run, scooter or bike ride instead of using your car or ride-share services. In addition to reducing your carbon footprint and lowering your fuel and maintenance costs, being active provides mental and physical health benefits that can improve your quality of life.
Did you know that one third of people in Brisbane live within 300 meters of a bikeway? You can easily get around Brisbane on foot or on wheels thanks to the city's extensive network of bikeways and shared pathways. If you need some help getting started, Brisbane City Council’s programs Cycling Brisbane and Active School Travel provide you with resources, information and incentives to help you make the switch to active travel.
If you need to make your ride in Brisbane a bit easier, especially when navigating the city's hills, consider using an e-bike or e-scooter to give you an extra boost. Even if you don't own one, shared e-bikes and e-scooters are available throughout the city, making it easier than ever to move around Brisbane without relying on cars.
Save on fuel through eco-driving
If you’re looking for a more eco-friendly, easy way to get around while driving your car, one option is to adopt eco-driving techniques.
You can reduce your fuel use and associated carbon emissions by adjusting your driving style to include gentle braking and accelerating, maintaining a steady cruise speed, turning your car off when parked and ensuring your tyres are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommendation. You can learn more eco-driving tips, including vehicle maintenance and efficient trip planning, in the RACQ eco-driving e-learning tool.
Use biofuels instead of petrol
If your vehicle is compatible, a simple switch from petrol to biofuel blends like E10 will reduce your car's carbon emissions by around 7%.
E10 fuel is a blend of up to 10% ethanol (a renewable energy source) and 90% unleaded petrol. For compatible vehicles, there should be no noticeable change to performance or drivability, but you will need slightly more fuel to drive the same distance. You can check your car’s compatibility in your owner’s manual or with your vehicle manufacturer.
Reducing your household carbon footprint is not only good for the environment, it can also save you money and improve your lifestyle. Small steps at home can make a big difference with a range of carbon-reduction actions to suit all homes, budgets and lifestyles.
Take the Brisbane Carbon Challenge today to learn more about the impact of your habits on your household carbon footprint and to gain valuable insights on how you can reduce your carbon emissions.