The CAP is an open access, free to use, online tool suite. It is purpose-built to help Local Transport Authorities (LTAs) develop a package of transport decarbonisation policies and schemes which align with net-zero targets. In particular it is designed to support the carbon assessment and reduction processes mandated in the new Local Transport Plan guidance and Quantified Carbon Reduction guidance.
Figure 1: Key CAP Features
What authorities does the CAP include?
The CAP includes LTA-specific data for every LTA in England (outside of London) and Wales.
Who developed and owns the CAP?
The CAP was commissioned, and is owned, in collaboration by England’s seven Sub-national Transport Bodies and Transport for Wales. City Science, working in partnership with WSP and Steer, designed and delivered CAP and continue to host and maintain key components.
Does the CAP align to DfT’s Guidance?
Yes. DfT were consulted during the creation of the CAP. DfT included a presentation on the CAP during their webinar to launch their Quantified Carbon Reduction guidance. DfT are playing an active role in updating the CAP baseline data.
What does the CAP do?
The CAP guides authorities through each stage of transport decarbonisation planning:
- Understand the emissions gap: A baseline dashboard and report break down current and projected emissions for each LTA, alongside scaled decarbonisation pathways to help authorities set the right level of ambition.
- Test different transport outcomes: Interactive levers let authorities visualise how specific transport outcomes could contribute to their decarbonisation targets relative to a local baseline.
- Generate and assess options: 29 intervention cards summarise the carbon reduction potential and wider co-benefits of different transport decarbonisation interventions (e.g. policies and schemes). The policy builder (see Figure 2) allows authorities to design and test bespoke policy packages tailored to their local context.
- Quantify strategy impact: The policy builder visualises the cumulative carbon impact of a full local transport strategy or implementation plan, with data exportable for further analysis or reporting
Figure 2: Example of analysis on the CAP Policy Builder tool – developed and hosted by City Science
Can the CAP support processes outside LTP development?
Yes. The CAP includes one of the most comprehensive evidence-bases on the impact of transport decarbonisation measures. This is a valuable resource for evidencing the impact of a range of sustainable transport measures. City Science, having led the development of the calculation methods within the CAP Policy Builder, are uniquely placed to advise on the application of the CAP in contexts such as Local Plan development or Net Zero Pathway design.
Can anyone use the CAP?
Yes, the CAP is free to use and available online. It is accompanied by how to guides making it accessible for all users. The CAP also includes features so that it can be used collaboratively between teams. If you have any queries on the CAP, would like a demonstration, or are looking for a smart way to approach transport decarbonisation and LTP development, City Science would be delighted to hear from you.
The Carbon Assessment Playbook is free to access online here: Carbon Assessment Playbook.
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