The UVM Transportation Research Center recently launched a new interactive sustainable transportation tracking tool for Chittenden County. Clare Nelson and Dr. Greg Rowangould worked with the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission to create a new interactive data dashboard and mapping application that provides key metrics for evaluating the sustainability of household travel across Chittenden County, Vermont. 

The tool allows users to evaluate changes in greenhouse gas emissions, transportation energy use, and travel demand (the amount of driving) at the vehicle, household, and person level at many different geographic scales. The tool was designed to enable municipalities in the region and their residents to evaluate progress towards greater transportation sustainability and climate goals. The tool enables users to see where changes are occurring and the pace of those changes.

This story is an example of the work of the University of Vermont Planetary Health Initiative, which supports research and education related to the link between the health of human societies and the environment and fosters innovative approaches toward a healthier future for people and planet.