Land Use

Research and applied practice have attempted to define the nature of land use and travel behavior for several decades. An increasing number of studies have suggested that land use can also indirectly influence emissions of airborne pollutants that are largely produced through the use of internal combustion engines operated in private automobiles and trucks, among other point and area sources. The theories have a similar origin, suggesting that land use patterns influence trip making frequency, trip lengths, choice of what mode of transportation to take, and so forth. The overwhelming majority of conclusions cite that land use patterns do (1) influence the trip making behavior of individuals; and (2) when measured, these travel changes in turn influence emissions from private automobiles and trucks when measured over a broad area.

Research

Emissions Benefits of Land Use Planning Strategies (or PDF, 3.1 MB) (December 2004) - Prepared by the Louis Berger Group for FHWA, this report documents what land use planning strategies are being considered for reduction of on-road mobile source emissions and how these strategies are being incorporated into various planning activities. It also documents the magnitude of the emissions benefits that were estimated and any consideration of relative cost-benefit analysis of the strategies. The report also examined the methodologies being used to measure the impacts of changes in terms of on-road moblie source emissions attributable to land use strategies and the additional research needs related to emissions benefits of land use strategies.

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