A method to measure the eco-efficiency of diesel locomotive

摘要

Brazilian railroads transport over 490 million tons a year using diesel-electric locomotives. These locomotives emit several pollutants into the atmosphere and because of that, the railroads seek to reduce emissions and achieve global emission standards. Thus, it is important to analyze the environmental impact of the use of diesel and alternative fuels to reach environmental standards. This paper makes use of a method based upon the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) metrics to evaluate the locomotives' eco-efficiency. The method was applied to Estrada de Ferro Vitoria a Minas (EFVM). Different scenarios representing the exchange of fuel sources arid technologies were developed, tested and analyzed. The impacts were evaluated by seven ecoefficiency performance indicators and compared With United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards. The results offered cost savings and emissions reduction opportunities. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.