In the run-up to COP26 in Glasgow, and the requirement for transport to dramatically reduce its emissions, ITS (UK) has appointed environment expert Keith McCabe to be its first Carbon Ambassador.
The Intelligent Transport Systems Industry Body is keen to underline how technology is already being used to improve air quality through a range of solutions that make travelling more efficient, from improved traffic management through navigation and modelling to enforcement of clean air zones and reduction in electricity use thanks to solar road studs or renewably-powered roadside units.
Keith McCabe is CEO of both Simplifai Systems and KAM Futures and is a leader in new thinking around distributed energy systems involving virtual power stations, smart grids and electric vehicles.
“It is an honour to be chosen to take on this important role,” said Keith McCabe. “My plan is to first reflect on what has already been achieved technically such as help with resilience and carbon reduction, work with other ITS (UK) Forums to create a carbon-focus across the groups, champion ITS solutions that will help deliver the Department for Transport’s decarbonisation plan and look to work with local authorities focusing on resilience.”
This appointment follows a commitment from ITS (UK) Chair, Ryan Hood for the organisation to double-down on its commitment to decarbonisation, calling on the industry to ensure the full value of transport technology is unlocked to support the environmental effort as we approach the COP26 conference in Glasgow in November. The Society is also hosting an Early Careers prize essay competition sponsored by Simplifai Systems looking for ideas around the innovative application of ITS solutions to achieve decarbonisation goals.
“ITS (UK) has always been a pioneer of using technology for improving the environment,” added Secretary General Jennie Martin. “We launched our Smart Environment Forum over 20 years ago, pretty much before anyone else gave a thought to the pollution caused by our transport systems, and our industry has delivered so many innovative solutions in the last two decades. The appointment of Keith to both publicise the importance of the issue to our members, and simultaneously the brilliance of our members’ solutions to the wider climate industry is a logical next step.”
(Picture courtesy of Keith McCabe)
