Estimating the Environmental Footprint of the O.A.S.A Group

Abstract

Transportation accounts for 24% of global CO₂ emissions; according to the current trends, energy use and CO₂ emissions associated with this sector are projected to increase by more than 80% by 2050. Following UN Recommendations, EU Directives and Policies prioritising the transition to more clean modes of transport, the O.A.S.A Group (Group) estimated its annual environmental footprint. Specifically, the Group quantified the impact of its activities (transport-related and others) on the environment aiming at the integration of the environmental parameter into the decision-making process. 2019 was the baseline year for all estimations performed; the study estimated the carbon (and other) emissions from the transport fleet (direct emissions), as well as carbon emissions and carbon removals from the Group’s other supporting activities (indirect emissions). A mix of internationally recognised methodologies (i.e., EMEP/EEA 2020, 2006 IPCC Guidelines), activity data and emission factors were used and applied in the study. The study highlights the positive impact of the Group to the environment, justifying that – without its existence - approximately 200,000 tn of CO₂ would be emitted annually in the metropolitan area of Athens. Electricity consumption of the electrified transport means is the Group’s most critical CO₂ emission source overall (approx. 40%). Diesel-buses come first amongst all transport means, accounting for approximately 35% of direct emissions. The rising share of renewable energy sources in the electricity generation mix, the fleet renewal initiatives and the deployment of electric buses are expected to further improve the Group’s environmental footprint in the future.