Lviv’s CO2 emission transport model

By project REFOCUS

Published on 06 February 2025

Ukraine

Lviv

About this good practice

The main problem in Lviv is the oversaturation of private transport. To assess its environmental impact and propose emission reduction strategies a model was used to calculate CO2 emissions . Built with the transport modelling program, PTV Visum, it estimates harmful emissions using the Handbook Emission Factors for Road Transport (HBEFA) add-on module.This macroscopic calculation is supplemented by microscopic emission analysis for specific network segments via PTV Vissim. With the start of CO2 data collection, the city obtained valuable information, and we now cooperate with the road safety commission to evaluate modelling-related changes. . The calculation is based on prior redistribution results of private and public transport. Before running the HBEFA emission model, traffic flow composition was set using vehicle registration from Lviv. This defines the share of HBEFA vehicle categories in the traffic volume of specific segments. Additionally, the model incorporates the longitudinal slopes of city streets, as they significantly affect the result. Each transport modelling exercise evaluates the impact of certain changes on air emissions. The owner of this practice is Lviv Communal Enterprise “Lvivavtodor”, under the Lviv City Council. Key stakeholders include the Mobility Department of Lviv City Council and the MI City Institute.

Resources needed

We spent around 120,000 euros for the purchase of licence. Plus, about 12,000-15,000 thousand euros per year for the salaries of employees that operate the models.

Evidence of success

Thanks to this modeling, Lviv became a pilot city for CO₂ emissions modeling. In macro modeling, 14 scenarios were developed, focusing on traffic organization, dedicated lanes, lane direction changes, street configurations, public transport routes, and efficient network planning. In micro modeling, 28 scenarios explored traffic management, inclusive crossings, smart traffic lights, reducing delays, improving pedestrian access, accelerating public transport, and boosting passenger numbers.

Potential for learning or transfer

Lviv became the first city in Ukraine to develop and use modelling tools, setting an example for both Ukrainian and European cities. The models, developed in cooperation with the traffic safety commission, are complex but effective. Currently, securing funding for employees working on these models is crucial. Due to martial law, funding has been reduced, so the city must explore grant opportunities and fundraising as alternatives.