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How low can we go? How can the UK achieve deep transport energy demand reductions while maintaining our quality of life?

These are questions we investigated in a major study, now published in Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews.

Our study presents policy-relevant insights into the potential and feasibility for transport energy demand reduction to significantly contribute to climate change mitigation and public health improvement. Using a comprehensive scenario-modelling framework, the study explores low energy demand (or LED) pathways for reducing transport-related energy demand, with a detailed case study of the UK.

Key findings show that without energy demand reduction measures, the UK is unlikely to meet its climate targets. The research demonstrates that reductions of up to 61% compared to baseline levels by 2050 are achievable. Crucially, half of these reductions can come from shifting and avoiding travel and the movement of goods, while the other half stems from improvements in vehicle efficiency, electrification, and fleet downsizing.

The study also highlights large co-benefits, including improved air quality and enhanced public health, underscoring the need for integrated policy strategies to achieve these ambitious goals.

Lead author Prof Christian Brand said: “Our research shows that without decisive action to reduce energy demand, it will be virtually impossible, more expensive and probably undesirable to meet short to medium carbon targets. Simply relying on technology isn’t enough—we need bold measures to reduce how much we travel and shift to more sustainable modes of transport if we’re serious about tackling emissions in the transport sector.”

Read the full paper here.