Environment

GPS 2018 supports investment a whole of system approach to reducing greenhouse gases, investment in lower emission modes of transport, increased uptake of active modes such as walking and cycling and integrated land use and transport planning.

The development of the 2018–21 NLTP by the Transport Agency and its partners has been guided by our Environmental and Social Responsibility Policy and Standard, Regional Plans and National Policy Statements, GPS 2018, and our legal obligations under the Land Transport Management Act 2003. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the transport system is an increasing area of focus as the Government transitions toward a low-carbon economy.

The Transport Agency will continue to work with our key stakeholders and partners, especially local government and communities, to proactively avoid or minimise potential adverse effects to the environment or public health, or any adverse effects on community cohesion and connectedness, that are associated with the land transport system.

Investments through the 2018–21 NLTP will help minimise environmental harm and deliver positive outcomes that meet international and national commitments by:

• promoting greater use of public transport and encouraging walking and cycling as alternatives to the use of cars
• more effective land use and transport planning to provide people with a range of alternatives to cars
• working with partners to lift the standard and safety of the country’s vehicle fleet, and promoting greater use of electric vehicles, less polluting bio fuels, and low-emission vehicles
• supporting innovative technology to reduce travel demand, redistribute demand across non-peak periods, and encourage the use of other travel options.

The Transport Agency is also committed to delivering projects and programmes in a way that helps safeguard the environment, by:

• planning and designing roading improvements to minimise disruption and protect sites of significant ecological, cultural and heritage importance
• requiring all road improvement projects greater than $15 million to seek a Greenroads sustainability certificate
• supporting the use of recycled and marginal materials in pavements
• supporting the use of LED street and road lighting
• reducing unreasonable impacts of road traffic noise
• fitting storm water treatment measures to improve water quality in key catchments and where road runoff is a significant source of pollution
• supporting biodiversity, for example, by improving culvert fish passage in key catchments, as well as vegetation and pest management practices
• working with suppliers to continue to set the highest standards for health and safety so that all people working on our sites return home safely every day.

Continuing to work collaboratively and strengthen relationships with key partners, including local government, the Climate Commission and environmental and sector-related organisations.