Shaping the future: How sustainable mobility is transforming our cities
We want cities in which clean air and peace and quiet are no longer a rarity, but part of everyday life. Sustainable mobility transforms cities into more liveable places – less noise, less exhaust fumes, better quality of life.
Mobility and accessibility are central pillars for participation and prosperity in our society. However, the current transport system is characterized by considerable environmental pollution. The transport sector in Germany has developed strongly since 1960: Freight traffic has tripled, passenger traffic has even quadrupled.
Although modern vehicles are cleaner and quieter, they continue to cause considerable environmental pollution through emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants as well as noise, land use and resource consumption.
With the increase in transport performance, the energy consumption of transport in Germany has also more than tripled since 1960 and is now responsible for around a fifth of total greenhouse gas emissions.
Unlocking Sustainable Mobility
Sustainable Mobility for more livable cities
The constant growth in traffic in our cities is causing congestion, noise and an increase in air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. These problems endanger the health of our citizens and threaten our ecological balance. The transport sector is responsible for a significant proportion of CO₂ emissions and faces major challenges: Emissions have not fallen significantly since 1990 despite increasing vehicle efficiency.
As a decision-maker or transportation expert, you can sustainably improve the quality of life of citizens. Become a visionary change agent who transforms your city into a model of sustainable mobility. A decision with far-reaching consequences that will improve the lives of our children and generations beyond.
Problems and challenges
The transport sector has these effects on our lives
The transport sector faces a number of challenges that affect both the environment and human health:
- Climate protection: Around 20 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions are attributable to the transport sector, which therefore contributes significantly to climate change. Despite increases in efficiency, the sector’s CO2 emissions have remained virtually unchanged for 25 years, as increases in transport performance neutralize these gains. In order to achieve national and international climate targets, the transport sector must drastically reduce its emissions.
- Air pollutants: Emissions of nitrogen oxides and other pollutants such as diesel soot have been significantly reduced since 1990. Nevertheless, further measures are needed to improve air quality and comply with legal limits.
- Noise: Noise pollution from traffic remains at a high level, especially in conurbations. Over 75% of the population feels disturbed by road traffic noise. Effective measures are needed to reduce this pollution and improve the quality of life of city dwellers.
- Land consumption and nature: The use of land for transportation is high and continuously fragments natural and rural areas. More efficient use of the existing transport network can reduce land consumption, protect biodiversity and preserve sustainable habitats.
- Urban quality of life: The negative effects of traffic on ecological, economic and social aspects are particularly pronounced in cities. The densification of urban areas exacerbates these problems, which can only be solved through an integrated and multifunctional approach.
Dependence on fossil fuels & energy waste
Understanding the hidden risks
Our cities are heavily dependent on fossil fuels, which is increasingly becoming financially and logistically unsustainable for many people. The inefficient use of resources further exacerbates the problem: energy is wasted, transportation systems are overloaded and not adapted to the needs of the modern city.
This dependence on outdated energy sources and inefficient transportation systems is leading to a mobility crisis. It manifests itself not only in high levels of air pollution and noise, but also in impaired accessibility and mobility for all city dwellers.
In the long term, there is a threat of a drastic deterioration in living conditions, which manifests itself in health problems, reduced life expectancy and declining quality of life for the population.
Furthermore, such urban problems have political and economic consequences. For political decision-makers such as mayors or city councilors the inability to implement effective and sustainable solutions could undermine voter confidence. Economically, persistent environmental pollution and the resulting deterioration of urban living conditions could discourage investment, leading to stagnant or even declining economic development.
It is therefore crucial that cities move away from these outdated systems and introduce innovative, sustainable mobility solutions that not only reduce environmental impact, but also improve quality of life and ensure economic stability.
#UnlockTomorrow
New technologies need right of way
The world is facing a significant increase in demand for mobility: passenger volumes are expected to triple by 2050. At the same time, it is predicted that 70% of the world’s population will live in cities, which will further densify urban areas and increase the need for efficient mobility solutions.
The transportation sector generates more than 30% of global energy demand. This underlines the urgent need for innovative and sustainable transport solutions that meet the growing demands of an urbanized world.
#NavigateTomorrow
Sustainable mobility redefines cities
By rethinking the way people and goods are moved, we can reduce pollution and significantly improve the quality of life in our cities. Imagine a city where cleaner air, less noise and efficient traffic flows are the norm. Yunex Traffic offers innovative solutions that transform your city into a model of sustainability.
Our technologies and approaches are concrete and tangible: from intelligent traffic management systems that optimize traffic flow to smart solutions that minimize individual traffic. These changes are tangible and bring tangible improvements to the everyday lives of your citizens.
Our solutions for a more sustainable mobility
Maintain mobility, but reduce the burden on people and the environment
We have set ourselves the goal of maintaining the mobility of people and goods, but in such a way that the burden of this traffic on citizens and the environment is reduced.
Improving air quality and reducing emissions
Imagine a city where smooth traffic flows and minimized congestion are a part of everyday
life. By using advanced traffic management systems from Yunex Traffic, we optimize stops and starts in traffic, which leads directly to a significant reduction in vehicle emissions. The air becomes noticeably cleaner and the skies above the city become clearer.
Intelligent transportation systems and intersections
Intelligent network control systems from Yunex Traffic, such as Yutraffic FUSION, transform urban intersections into highly efficient traffic hubs. These technologies ensure a smooth flow of traffic for all road users, which not only reduces the environmental impact through lower fuel consumption, but also reduces travel time for everyone.
Promotion of cycling
Intersections that give priority to cyclists: our YuBike solution and special bicycle columns make cycling in the city easier. Cyclists are given green waves, allowing them to get through traffic faster and more safely. These measures make cycling a more attractive option and contribute to the health and satisfaction of city dwellers.
Sustainability through technological innovations
With the 1-watt technology used in our signal heads, we are setting new standards in terms of energy efficiency. This innovation not only lowers operating costs, but also reduces the ecological footprint of our urban systems.
The LED traffic signals replace the traditional halogen lamps. These LEDs consume around 75% less electricity and significantly reduce CO2 emissions. In addition, they require much less maintenance, which not only saves costs but also minimizes the environmental impact of maintenance trips.
Vehicle2X-Communication
Vehicle2X technology improves communication between vehicles and urban infrastructure. This increased connectivity allows road users to react more quickly to changes, which increases safety and contributes to the efficiency of the entire system. It also promotes public transport, as buses and trains are given right of way thanks to appropriate prioritization. This makes public transport a more attractive and the underlying calculation is simple: the more people use public transport regularly, the more people will leave their cars at home, which reduces emissions.
Discover all our mobility platforms
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GoGreen with Yunex Traffic
Sustainable processes and product development
- From design to disposal: At Yunex Traffic, sustainability starts on the drawing board. Right from the start, the product teams ask themselves how their products can contribute to achieving customers’ net-zero targets through decarbonization and improved air quality. In addition, even during the development phase, consideration is given to how the products can be recycled or otherwise disposed of in an environmentally friendly way at the end of their service life, which is often only reached after several decades.
- Material selection and product design: The choice of materials plays a central role. Yunex Traffic strives to eliminate materials that cannot be recycled from its production processes. An innovative example of this is the introduction of aluminum traffic signal poles to replace the traditional plastic-coated steel poles. This change completely eliminates plastic and uses aluminum, which can be recycled efficiently and retains its advantages in terms of lightness and strength.
- Sustainability Report 2023: In order to live up to our responsibility and map the exact processes of our company, we created our first sustainability report in 2023 to give decision-makers a clear and transparent insight.
Our modular solutions for smart and more sustainable mobility management
Technologies and Mobiliy Systems for today and tomorrow
- Yutraffic Symphony and Yutraffic Varia: These platforms offer dynamic mobility management solutions that respond flexibly to the needs of urban and suburban traffic. They enable traffic flows to be optimized and resources to be used efficiently. The systems can be operated both locally and in cloud environments and can be expanded dynamically to keep pace with the changing requirements of cities.
- Digital twins: By using digital twins created from BIM models, behaviours of the real system can be simulated and visualized before physical changes are made. This reduces errors and saves costs during the planning and construction phases.
This is what your future could look like
Living in a city with sustainable
mobility
Imagine a city in which all mobility solutions from Yunex Traffic are implemented. A city that is not only efficient in its mobility, but also sustainable and environmentally friendly.
As you walk through the streets of this city, you will notice the clear, wide-open streets, free of the usual traffic jams. The air feels fresher and the sky seems clearer. LED traffic signals light up green more often for cyclists and pedestrians, giving them the right of way. Urban intersections, once places of chaos, are now highly efficient hubs that seamlessly integrate all road users thanks to intelligent guidance systems from Yunex Traffic.
You have a sense of calm and safety when crossing or riding along the roads. The technologically advanced solutions such as V2X or Yutraffic AwareAI ensure a smooth and safe ride, as cars and bikes communicate intelligently with each other without drivers having to actively do anything. You feel safe and in good hands. Because you know that every element of the traffic system is designed to prevent accidents and make your journey efficient.
The journey to work or to the shops is quicker and less stressful. They use public transport, cycle or walk more often. Supported by an infrastructure that is safe and inviting. Your children play outside without you having to worry about traffic noise or safety. Reduced running costs and lower energy consumption mean you have more resources to invest in quality of life rather than transport costs.
Your city attracts people who value sustainable living while supporting the local economy through the creation of jobs related to the maintenance and development of sustainable mobility systems. Well-developed public transportation and accessible urban spaces promote an inclusive society in which everyone, regardless of age or ability, can actively participate.
This vision of a city, powered by Yunex Traffic technologies and solutions, shows a future where sustainable mobility becomes the norm and enriches urban life at all levels – a perfect symbiosis of technology, environmental protection and social justice.
Sustainable Mobility: FAQ
What is sustainable mobility?
Sustainable mobility includes transportation systems and means of transport that are designed to have minimal environmental impact. In other words, it supports people’s mobility efficiently and fairly while significantly reducing CO2 emissions. The concept of sustainable mobility aims to make transport more sustainable and promotes means of transport that are less harmful to the environment. It is in line with the mobility transition, which aims to transform transport systems and minimize CO2 emissions.
What are sustainable means of transportation?
Sustainable means of transportation are means of transportation that reduce the environmental impact and improve the efficiency of transport as part of sustainable mobility. These include electric cars, plug-in hybrid vehicles, bicycles, electric buses and other means of transportation that are based on renewable energy or have very low CO2 emissions. These modes of transport are crucial for the transport transition and help municipalities and companies to achieve their climate protection targets.
What sustainable means of transportation are there?
Sustainable modes of transportation include electric cars, plug-in hybrid vehicles, electric bicycles, public transportation such as electric buses and trains powered by electricity from renewable sources, as well as bicycles and pedestrian options. These modes of transportation are key elements in the implementation of the mobility transition, helping to reduce transport dependency on fossil fuels and improve urban air quality. Companies and local authorities are increasingly relying on these modes of transport to achieve their sustainability goals and meet the Federal Environment Agency’s targets.
How does sustainable mobility contribute to climate protection?
Municipalities play a key role in sustainable mobility by shaping local transport policies that support a transport transition. For example, they can promote the expansion of cycle paths, subsidize the use of public transport and create incentives for the use of e-cars and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Through such measures, municipalities can help to make the mobility of their citizens more sustainable and reduce urban CO2 emissions.
What role do local authorities play in promoting sustainable mobility?
Kommunen spielen eine zentrale Rolle auf Seiten der nachhaltigen Mobilität, indem sie lokale Verkehrspolitiken gestalten, die eine Verkehrswende unterstützen. Sie können beispielsweise den Ausbau von Radwegen vorantreiben, die Nutzung von öffentlichen Verkehrsmitteln subventionieren und Anreize für den Einsatz von E-Autos und Plug-in-Hybrid-Fahrzeugen schaffen. Durch solche Maßnahmen können Kommunen dazu beitragen, die Mobilität ihrer Bürger nachhaltiger zu gestalten und die städtischen CO2-Emissionen zu reduzieren.
How will the need for mobility be met in a sustainable society?
The need for mobility in a sustainable society is met by a variety of transportation options that are environmentally friendly and efficient. These include public transportation, car sharing schemes, bicycles and walking, all of which are designed to reduce dependence on individual vehicles and reduce traffic congestion. This not only helps to reduce CO2 emissions, but also improves quality of life through less congestion and cleaner air.
To what extent does the transport transition affect the economy?
The transport transition has the potential to generate positive economic effects by promoting new industries and technologies. The development and production of e-cars, plug-in hybrids and other sustainable transportation technologies create jobs and offer new business opportunities. At the same time, reducing CO2 emissions and improving air quality can reduce long-term health costs, resulting in significant savings for businesses and communities.
How does the Federal Environment Agency support the implementation of sustainable mobility solutions?
The Federal Environment Agency supports the implementation of sustainable mobility solutions by providing data, research and guidelines that help to minimize the environmental impact of transport. It promotes initiatives and projects aimed at making the transport sector more sustainable and provides technical and financial support to promote innovative approaches to the transport transition.
