„Zero Emission Days” of the Baranya Virtual Power Plant Programme
(ZED-programme)
organizer - University of Pécs
30th May - 5th June 2019
As we previously reported, a Memorandum of Understanding guided by the principles of energy awareness and energy efficiency, as well as openness and commitment to green energy development was signed by the University of Pécs, the Hungarian Innovation and Efficiency Nonprofit Ltd., the Pécs City Council, the Diocese of Pécs, the Baranya County Council, the Pécs-Baranya Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Klára Leőwey Grammar School along with the director and patron of the Virtual Power Plant Programme (VPPP). The signing parties agreed to establish and operate the Baranya Virtual Power Plant Programme (BVPPP).
As a result of the collaboration, BVPPP and its mentor, University of Pécs are making preparations for several joint events. The first one will take place from 30th May until 5th June in the framework of the European Sustainable Development Week (ESDW) 2019. University of Pécs will announce its „Zero Emission Days” programme (ZED-programme) in the spirit of environmental awareness. The purpose of the programme is to popularize environmentally friendly modes of transportation. Institutions, companies, schools and private individuals can join the initiative on the registration interface provided by the University, where every participant is able to precisely track their own environmentally friendly transport based on indicators.
Currently, there are more than 50 000 cars are on the roads of Pécs, providing freedom of mobility for their users. On the other hand, an increasing number of people perceive cars as harmful means of transportation that endanger the ecosystem of the environment. Possible harmful effects are ranging from global warming and greenhouse gases to noise pollution and waste. Nevertheless, one of the most exciting features of the XXI. century is that it offers endless possibilities for transportation. Besides the bicycle, Magic Pie, Segway and those alike, different inventions and their combinations see the light of day month by month. These alternative modes of transportation are all worth a try, since they are fast, efficient, eco-friendly and also entertaining.
In cities, walking and cycling are typically the cleanest methods of transportation, as their pollutant emissions relate only to the production of nourishment and the manufacture of bicycles. According to the Eurostat, if we had only two car-free days a week, we could prevent 1,8 tons of greenhouse gases on average from getting into the atmosphere, which would significantly support a healthier, more sustainable urban environment.
By the car-free transportation programme, the University of Pécs plans to contribute to the national and EU decarbonization goals. According to the European Union’s aspirations of moderation, until 2050 the EU aims to decrease the emission of transportation related greenhouse gases by 60%, compared to the emission levels measured in 1990.
Infobox - Emission of vehicles
Carbon dioxide (CO2): a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming.
Particulate matter (PM10): factories and cars emit it, causes respiratory diseases.
Nitrogen oxides (NOx): causes acid rain, as well as generating ozone, that can lead to photochemical smog and global warming.
Volatile organic compound (VOCs): Hydrocarbons from industrial processes, factories and vehicles that add to smog formation.
Carbon monoxide (CO): harmful to humans, possibly deadly, although nowadays it almost entirely disappeared from exhaust gases of vehicles.
Go to the Zero Emission Days page.