Environmental science, policy, and industry nexus: Integrating Frameworks for better transport sustainability

The transport sector is one of the primary contributors to climate change since greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have grown by about 80 % from 1990 to 2019. Energy use by this sector has increased over the years, now accounting for up to one-fifth of global energy use. This research, based on the necessity to improve sustainability in the transport sector in terms of increasing environmental impacts, and limitations in frameworks developed, seeks to integrate better and more effective assessments with mitigation measures. Despite the advances made in environmental sustainability, both scientists and policymakers recognize significant gaps in existing methods for measuring and reducing transport emissions. This study presents an integrated framework combining elements of Integrated Environmental Assessment (IEA) with Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) data, thus enhancing policy effectiveness in the sector. The study relies on sound data from LCAs in guiding the formulation of Policy Instruments and Policy Mixes. The methodology involves statistical analysis of surveys and LCA data within a policy context, focusing on sustainability assessment of transport systems. Important findings in key results show that embedding LCA into policy frameworks effectively helps minimize impacts on the environment and enhances sustainability within transport systems. Such important implications have been seen as valuable to policymakers and industries by proposing integration of LCA into environmental policies as a way of minimizing further burdens on the environment in addition to propelling climate change mitigation efforts. • Work is based on gaps in previous Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) and Integrated Environmental Assessments (IEA). • New theoretical framework is presented to enhance the effectiveness of IEA studies through the use of LCA data as inputs. • Current environmental assessment frameworks have seen limited impact on emission reductions and policy effectiveness. • Past works in this field have utilized 'end-of-pipe' data which only reflect impacts of the last stage of a process.