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Delhi Metro is worlds first railway to receive UN carbon credits

Posted: March 27, 2012

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IndiancapitalsrailnetworkCDMcertifiedfornext sevenyears Citysrailnetworkaverts630,000tonnesofCO2 emissionsannually ByNishthaArora Oneoftheworldslargestmetronetworks is now also the first railway certified by the United Nations (UN) to receive carbon credits for its role in fighting climate change. In December last year, Indias DelhiMetroRailCorporationLimited (DMRC) announced that it will receive carbon credits from the UN worth Rs 47 crore (US$9.5 million) annually for the next seven years. The rapid transit system, which serves Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida and Ghaziabad in the National Capital Region of India, has received much acclaim for its Modal Shift Project, in which about 1.8 million people opt for the intra-city rail system every day. Today, Delhi Metro has become a lifeline for commuters whose choices would otherwise be limited to other modes of public transport like buses, taxis or their personal vehicles most of which are far less friendly to the environment. Anuj Dayal, chief public relations officer for DMRC, explains: The construction and operation of Delhi Metro has complemented other modes of transport in the city and is on its way to replacing partial trips made by conventional or traditional means of transit. The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) project replaces trips made by conventional transport modes with the Metro being a more efficient, faster, safer and more reliable option. Emission reductions are achieved through reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per passenger-kilometre, comparing conventional modes of transport with the Metro. The resource efficiency of transporting passengers in Delhi by Metro has improved, ie, emissions per passenger-kilometre are reduced compared to the situation had the Delhi Metro not operated. CDMsuccessstory The CDM scheme, which is operated by the UN, issues certified emissions reduction (CER) credits that are each equivalent to one tonne of CO2 emission averted. The scheme therefore provides a financial incentive for developing nations to lower their national GHG emission levels. It also raises the profile of exemplary projects that are helping to reduce environmental pollution in the developing world. According to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), under the CDM, emission reduction projects in developing countries can earn CER credits. Organisations in industrialised countries can then purchase these saleable credits to meet a part of their emission reduction targets under the Kyoto Protocol. No other Metro in the world could get the carbon credit for the above because of the very stringent requirement of the UN body to provide conclusive documentary proof of reduction in emissions, says Dayal. DMRC proposed an innovative method of proving the emissions using sampling techniques. After rigorous persuasion, the UN body finally agreed with this technique as it is very scientific. DMRCsenviabletrackrecord Since its inception in 2002, the Delhi Metro has contributed significantly to the reduction in the emission of GHGs such as

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Delhi Metro is worlds first railway to receive UN carbon credits | Green Prospects Asia Connecting Sustainable Businesses

Delhi Metros eight-coach trains by Bombardier can accommodate over 2,400 people per trip (photo credit: Delhi Metro Photo Archives)

carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM) and sulfur dioxide (SO2). As more and more people switch to the Delhi Metro, pollution levels in the city have lowered considerably. Official figures from DMRC claim that Delhi Metro has helped keep over 100,000 vehicles off Delhi roads daily. This will gain the corporation carbon credits for having contributed to the fight against global warming by lowering pollution levels in the city by 630,000 tonnes of CO2 every year. In a scenario where all travelers in the city choose to ride the Delhi Metro instead of driving or taking a bus, they would be contributing towards reducing emissions by approximately 100 g of carbon dioxide for every ten-kilometre trip per person. This is the second CDM project from DMRC to be registered with the UN body in the last three years, says Dayal. DMRCs first CDM project on regenerative braking had also achieved many international firsts apart from earning valuable foreign exchange for the country. In previous years, DMRC has received a similar award from the government of India for its first CDM project and also an award for Best Environment-Friendly Project by the Prime Minister of India. Canary Trap

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