Examining the Potential Impacts of Introducing a Cap and Share Scheme in Ireland

Abstract

A cap and share scheme is a policy whereby a cap or limit is placed on national carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and individuals are allocated an annual CO2 allowance. This paper examines some of the potential impacts of introducing a cap and share scheme in the transport sector in Ireland. The research presented in this paper focuses on travel-to-works trips specifically. CO2 emissions for these annual work trips are calculated and a cap is determined based on these results. Two caps are examined one based on average emissions and one set at a 20% reduction in average emissions as per Ireland’s reduction targets. A national and Dublin only cap are examined and the results are presented as a means of comparison. Binary logistic models are used to determine the socio-economic characteristics of individuals who fall above and below the cap. The results demonstrate the importance of car ownership, journey distance, mode choice and household composition in determining whether a commuter is above or below a cap. Many commuters who fall above the cap are likely drive to work over long distances, have dependent children in their household and own more than one car.