Addressing Transportation GHGs
Why is it Important to Sustainably Address the Transportation Sector?
Transportation makes up almost 50% of Sunnyvale's total emissions. Sunnyvale’s current development, while serviced by existing public transit, still largely reflects a car-dependent lifestyle. Dramatic changes to driving habits and accelerated adoption of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) will need to work in tandem to achieve steep reductions in transportation emissions.
Targets
GHG Emissions Associated with Transportation
Each year, our transportation GHGs are determined by the number of people in the city, how much driving each of them needs to do, and the fuel source for their vehicle. We expect that Sunnyvale's population will continue to rise. The climate action plan is designed to address the other factors by reducing transportation demand, expanding options for new modes of travel, and expanding the use of zero-emission vehicles for the remainder of the on-road travel.
Play 3.1: Reduce Vehicle Miles per Person
Promoting Alternative Transportation
In a car-dependent community, it is critical to promote alternative transportation while simultaneously disincentivizing single-occupant car trips. Increasing the availability of affordable housing in Sunnyvale can support workers living closer to their jobs, which would cut down on commuting and promote the use of alternate modes of transportation such as biking or walking. Limiting parking is a proposed disincentive aimed to decrease car trips.
UNIT | Vehicle miles traveled (VMT) is a measurement that estimates the total amount of miles each vehicle within a certain area travels within a given period of time. | VMTVehicle Miles Traveled |
| Vehicle miles traveled (VMT) is a measurement that estimates the total amount of miles each vehicle within a certain area travels within a given period of time. | VMTVehicle Miles Traveled |
Play 3.1: Reduce Vehicle Miles per Person
Reduction Targets
Vehicle miles per person per day give a good overview of how much driving is required to live and work in Sunnyvale. This metric has been very stable over recent years. To meet our GHG reduction goals, we will need to create living spaces that are more conducive to car-free living while supporting a range of new mobility options.
Sunnyvale Downtown Specific Plan
Sunnyvale's Downtown Specific Plan, adopted in 2020, supports an urban downtown consisting of the City’s center for retail, service, and entertainment in an area adjacent to local and regional transit services. This Plan includes a wide range of live and work options that expand diverse housing options, minimize long-distance commutes, and increase opportunities for multi-use sites.
Play 3.2: Increase Shared Mobility Options
What is Mode Shifting?
Transitioning away from car dependency to more sustainable options such as walking and biking through mode shifting is a core part of our strategy to reduce transportation GHGs. Supporting mode shifting will require improving the existing bicycle and pedestrian network to make walking and biking to work, school, and other local destinations an obvious and easy choice for Sunnyvale residents who want to be part of the solution.
Play 3.2: Increase Shared Mobility Options
Active Transportation Plan
The City released an update to our Active Transportation Plan! This document lays out a plan to improve pathways for biking and walking throughout the city with extensive recommendations to ensure Sunnyvale residents of all ages abilities can choose healthy and safe modes of travel.
In January 2021, City Council added "Ability of Infrastructure to Support Development, Traffic, and Active Transportation", as a City Council Priority. This reaffirms Sunnyvale's commitment to reducing transportation emissions. More information about the plan is available on the City of Sunnyvale website. Download the full plan to learn about all the changes coming to our shared streets.
Play 3.2: Increase Shared Mobility Options
Expanding Transportation Options
Improved frequency, route offerings, and quality of local public transportation are expected to increase ridership and reduce the number of cars on the road. More access to bicycles and scooters without having to purchase, maintain, or store them may increase the likelihood of residents avoiding cars for short trips.
Play 3.3: Increase Zero-Emission Vehicles
Transition to Electric Vehicles (EVs)
To support the transition to EVs, the City of Sunnyvale must prepare and plan for updates to our infrastructure accordingly. This includes working with community groups to create an EV awareness and education program to accelerate EV adoption and electrify the municipal fleet. These efforts continued in 2020/2021 despite COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
Play 3.3: Increase Zero-Emission Vehicles
ZEV Targets
We've set targets to increase the share of zero-emission vehicles to 42% by 2030 and 90% by 2045. As of 2022, the share of ZEVs has only reached 8.6% of the total number of vehicles on the road. Hitting our 2030 target will be a challenge, but the future of mobility is changing quickly, and we will be stepping up to support this effort with the following Moves:
- Move 3.L - Continue implementing the Drive Electric Program and providing resources to assist and encourage community adoption of EVs.
- Move 3.M - Electrify the Municipal Fleet as existing vehicles need replacement and install EV infrastructures (EVI) at municipal properties to support the electric fleet.
- Move 3.N - Support the development of the Community EV Readiness and Infrastructure Plan and facilitate the installation of EVI.
- Move 3.O - Partner with SVCE to strengthen and expand their incentive program for EVI.
Play 3.3: Increase Zero-Emission Vehicles
Ed Lau and his EV
Sunnyvale resident, Ed Lau, walks us through what owning an electric vehicle is like.
Be Part of the Solution!
Resources for Active and Electric Transport
Gas-powered vehicles are the largest source of emissions in Silicon Valley. Switching to an electric vehicle powered by clean electricity or getting around by biking or walking is often the single biggest action one can take to protect the planet.It doesn’t require sacrificing comfort and is often more fun!
