In anticipation of the IRF World Congress 2024, set to take place in Istanbul on 15-18 October 2024, the IRF is delving into some of the main themes of the congress through a series of initiatives. The first step of this “Road to Istanbul” is decarbonisation. 

In an era of growing environmental concerns, the imperative to transform mobility into a greener and more sustainable model becomes increasingly urgent. Carbon emissions reduction emerges as a priority, reflecting the need to promote mobility that not only connects people and goods efficiently but does so sustainably, reducing environmental impact and improving people’s quality of life. 

2024 marks the centenary of the Italian motorway network, a milestone to celebrate and a starting point to discuss decarbonisation with Autostrade per l’Italia. We did so with Professor Ennio Cascetta, President of Tecne (Autostrade per L’Italia Group), at the occasion of the launch of a new series of IRF Executives Talks that will address several key themes of the World Congress in the coming months. 

“Highways represent an opportunity to tackle the challenge of decarbonisation. Through targeted investments and technical innovations, they can play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions in the transport sector,” says Cascetta. 

Digitalisation and decarbonisation are the two pillars of the so-called “seventh revolution” in the sector. The integration of advanced technologies in highway management facilitates efficiency and safety. Simultaneously, the transition to electrification and the use of biofuels such as hydrogen propel us in the right direction. Coupled with the realisation of eco-sustainable works, with construction sites based on the principles of the circular economy, we can truly make significant leaps forward. 

“We must set achievable goals and therefore, as such, more stimulating,” continues Cascetta, citing the data from the latest study published by Aspi, “The Revolution of Sustainable Mobility Starts from Motorways. Safe, Digital, Decarbonised.”