Economic Analysis of Sustainable Transportation Transitions: Case Study of the University of Saskatchewan Ground Services Fleet

The global transport sector of the world economy contributes about 15% Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in today, and this must be drastically curbed. To reduce GHG achieve carbon neutrality, University Saskatchewan’s Office Sustainability has directed a green energy transition for institution recent years, leading diverse sustainability projects agendas due to importance curbing climate change advancing sustainability. However, there is strong need pursue deep decarbonization within campus, university system critical operational area that considered net-zero agenda university. motivation work stems from directive transform campus vehicle fleet as an identified meet agenda. This study was organized partnership with involved economic benefit analysis (consisting 91 ICE vehicles) determine if it economically or financially feasible Internal Combustion Engines (ICEs) PVs (Petrol Vehicles) Electric Vehicles (EVs). used RETScreen Expert (a software analyzing renewable technology projects) model scenarios. variables Payback Period (PBP), cash flow projections, savings made transitioning (fuel cost savings), benefit–cost ratio, emission reduction potential were analyzed. findings revealed could reduced by 100%, resulting removal 298.1 tCO₂ environment. manager save $CAD 129,049 (88.9%) fuel costs, return on investment achieved year 5 but 2 vehicles put into constant active use, eliminating idle times. Lastly, would revenue CAD 14,906. These show pursuing sustainable transitions transportation viable should pursued vigorously. contribution provides examples evidence advance policy recommendations aid effective efficient sector, specifically communities at scale campuses.