Framework for assessing the environmental impacts of intermodal transportation

Abstract

This research aimed to use a sustainable approach based on the internalisation of external cost analysis of intermodal transportation of freight to assess the impacts of these activities on the environment. This research used two approaches to develop a model that illustrates the internalisation of the external cost of freight transport. The first approach was used to calculate the cost of emissions for each route considering the transportation and its’ cost in the country of destination. The second approach calculated the external cost considering only the distance travelled by the vehicle. The results showed that the companies operating in the selected scenarios would have to pay an additional cost for the transportation of goods. The scenarios had different pollutants emitted during the transportation, which means that the negative impact on human health and the environment is evident. The urgency to limit carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere has increased concerns for all activity sectors. Climate change has drawn the attention of governments, companies, and academics, promoting initiatives that mitigate the impact of their activities. The model for measuring emissions was used due to the need for a comprehensive cost analysis to further assess the impact on the environment. Regarding the internalisation of the external cost emissions, the findings showed that different scenarios had a different pollutant emitted during the transportation, which means that the negative impact for human health and the environment is evident. Findings also indicate that to minimise the impact during the transportation, considering the “user-pays principle”, these impacts should be discussed in more detail between stakeholders.