BAPTS project: Boosting public transport - less cars and a better climate
Bielefeld City council, together with its public transport operator "moBiel", is focusing on improving public transport (PT) as core contribution to climate protection. The intended shift from individual transport to more environmentally friendly transport modes such as trams, buses or bikes is likely to have sustainable effects on the local noise and air pollution, and thus on the climate and quality of life in Bielefeld.
Within its advanced public transport project BAPTS, Bielefeld cooperates closely with other European cities such as Dublin (IE), Liège (BE), Eindhoven (NL), Lille (FR), Darlington (UK), Southend-on-Sea (UK), Nantes (FR) and Frankfurt am Main. This cooperation ensures best exchange of latest know-how, technology and expertise on sustainable and clean PT solutions.
The innovative approach in Bielefeld rests upon mobility awareness rising. The city is first investigating, and second testing marketing options which are aimed at influencing the behaviour of (potential) passengers towards a more conscious daily mobility.
To further encourage the use of cleaner transport modes among its citizens, Bielefeld also works out strategies for an improved traffic management. Connections of trams or trains to buses are being adapted to becoming more reliable and convenient for the passengers. SMS ticketing is being established to simplify travelling. Real-time passenger information both at stops and in vehicles will ensure broad view and best level of information for the passengers.
The project BAPTS, in the framework of which the mentioned measures take place, is co-financed by the European Unions European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) in the INTERREG IVB North West Europe (NWE) Programme 2007-2013.
Picture credit : City of Bielefeld
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Solar Atlas for Bielefeld
Which roofs in Bielefeld would be well suited for a solar system? The Solar Atlas can provide the answer. More than 80 % of the town's private electricity demand can be generated on the roofs of Bielefeld. The city of Bielefeld has calculated the photovoltaic capacity of the city's roofs and has concluded that there is the potential both for electricity production and a reduction in CO2 emissions as well.
The sun-area Solar Atlas provides information about:
- the suitability of a roof for a solar use,
- the maximum size of a photovoltaic system that could be installed,
- the maximum electricity production per year that could be achieved
- and the amount of CO2 emissions per year that would be reduced.
Of 101,000 buildings, approximately 57,000 are suitable for solar use. This could result in a reduction of about 280 mio. kg in CO2.
The Solar Atlas is a component of Bielefeld's Climate Protection Action Program 2008 - 2020. In September 2007, the City Council agreed to do everything in its power to achieve the Federal Government's climate goals set for 2020 (these include the reduction of CO2 outputs by about 40 % as well as a 20% usage of renewable energy).
Climate protection is a comprehensive and multi-layered task which cannot be mastered by the city alone. Rather commerce, businesses and all citizens are asked to make their contribution to climate protection. The Bielefeld Solar Atlas is an innovative and exciting instrument which can enable everyone to do their part: www.bielefeld.de/de/un/.
Picture credit : City of Bielefeld
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