VicRoads has an active role in positively influencing the sustainability of our road network and related services, and reducing the greenhouse gas emissions associated with its planning, delivery, maintenance and use.
Our definition of 'sustainable transport' is:
'the ability to meet the needs of society to move freely, gain access, communicate, trade and establish relationships without sacrificing other essential human or ecological values today or in the future'.
Transport is concerned with:
- accessibility
- reliability
- safety
- equity
- travel time
- environmental impacts and human well being
- resource use
- public revenues and expenditures
- greenhouse gas emissions
- security
Our Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy 2010-2015 provides further direction for the implementation of the Policy with three key directions and associated goals for VicRoads through to 2015 to support the Victorian Government in the delivery of a sustainable transport system:
managing the road network to minimise greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to the effects of climate change and minimise impacts to communities.
avoiding, minimising and offsetting our biodiversity, heritage and water resource impacts, and improving the management of environmental values in roadsides.
– developing culture and capabilities, understanding the environmental impacts of our actions and demonstrating best practice on sustainability and climate change issues.
VicRoads Sustainability and Climate Change Action Plan aims to integrate sustainability and climate change initiatives into all of our business activities.
As part of the action plan, VicRoads has released a sustainability rating tool (INVEST) for roads which will assist in driving and promoting best practice and innovation in sustainable design and construction.
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