Work

Unraveling CO2 emission dynamics in home-work mobility: Insights from two French urban areas of Lyon and Lille

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The transport sector faces a critical challenge, balancing the growing demand for mobility with the urgent need to reduce CO₂ emissions. Addressing this challenge requires a comprehensive understanding of mobility patterns and the factors influencing CO₂ emissions. This study focuses on the French urban areas of Lyon and Lille to examine CO₂ emissions associated with home-work mobility. Combining commuting data from the national census and household travel surveys, the study uses multiple linear regression analysis to assess CO₂ emissions linked to home-work mobility. The analysis considers factors at the socio-economic, household, and urban form levels. The results show that full-time employment, larger households, and vehicle ownership drive higher CO₂ emissions due to longer commutes and car dependency. Compact, well-connected urban areas reduce CO₂ emissions by enabling shorter travel and greater public transport use, while dispersed structures increase emissions through extended commutes. Public transport accessibility strongly mitigates CO₂ emissions, highlighting the need for sustainable urban planning policies promoting alternative solutions to the car.

Source: Energy Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.egyr.2025.03.041

Authors: Sami Jarboui, Louafi Bouzouina

Institutions: University of Sfax, Université de Lyon, Laboratoire Aménagement Économie Transports, École Nationale des Travaux Publics de l'État, Faculty of Economics and Management of Sfax

Language: English

Topic: Transportation Planning and Optimization

Subfield: Transportation

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Sustainable cities and communities, Climate action, Decent work and economic growth, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,040