Análise integrada da influência dos sistemas de transporte e atividades nas emissões de poluentes associadas à operação do transporte urbano de carga

Abstract

This dissertation aims to understand the influence of activity systems and transportation systems on pollutant emissions resulting from the operation of Urban Freight Transport (UFT). Due to the urbanization process, cities present themselves as complex entities comprised of various systems, particularly those that facilitate the movement of people, goods, and products—an essential element of the urban lifestyle. Among the systems contributing to this complexity are the Activities System (AS) and the Transportation System (TS). Thus, the UFT phenomenon is directly influenced by the interactions between these systems. This intricate urban structure, combined with recent technological advances in logistics, such as Logistics 4.0 and the rise of e-commerce, reflects contemporary consumption patterns and directly impacts UFT operations. To understand the effects of these systems on the operation of Urban Cargo Vehicles (UCVs), a conceptual model was proposed based on a comprehensive literature review and the sustainable principles of City Logistics. This model considers the relationship between AS and TS, as well as the perspectives of various stakeholders. Additionally, a literature review was conducted to identify indicators that capture the relationships outlined in the conceptual model. To address the externalities affecting air quality degradation associated with UFT operations, indicators such as fuel consumption, pollutant emission factors, and Vehicle Specific Power (VSP) were identified. These indicators reflect how AS and TS impact pollutant emissions from UFT activities in urban areas. To quantify the proposed relationships in the conceptual model, a corridor was selected and divided into zones. Using a Portable Emissions Measurement System (PEMS), vehicular emissions of CO₂, NOₓ, and SO₂ were collected alongside vehicular dynamics data from UCV operations. The Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) method was then employed to quantify the effects of AS and TS integration on pollutant emissions. The results show that characteristics of AS, such as the presence of various trip-generating hubs, and aspects of TS, including VSP and traffic volume, significantly influence the environmental impact of UFT operations. In particular, 24 zones (43%) exhibited high levels of pollutant emissions. These findings underscore the importance of planning UFT operations to create more sustainable cities, especially by reducing pollutant emissions.