Environmental Sustainability is a principle that cuts across all of Nelson\Nygaard’s work. By developing balanced multimodal transportation systems, Nelson\Nygaard helps to create vibrant, active communities that are less dependent on single occupancy vehicle travel. Our analytical tools allow communities, transit agencies, developers, and employers to measure the environmental impact of the transportation and land use choices they make.
Multimodal Transportation Planning
Nelson\Nygaard is a leader in planning sustainable transportation systems. We plan efficient mass-transit, develop compact, transit-oriented land uses, design safe and inviting pedestrian and bicycle environments, and create employerbased
transportation demand management programs. All of these elements help to reduce dependence on singleoccupancy vehicles and the environmental impacts of auto emissions.
Quantifying Vehicle Trip Reduction
Nelson\Nygaard has a long history of helping our clients understand the reduction in automobile trips that can result from multimodal transportation planning and compact land uses. For example, our URBEMIS model quantifies the benefits of mixed-use, transit-oriented development. By quantifying reductions in vehicular traffic and parking demand, we help developments succeed with less parking and roadway infrastructure than conventional auto-oriented projects.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Analysis
By helping our clients understand how transportation systems affect travel behavior, we allow them to quantify the impact of their decisions on greenhouse gas emissions and global climate change. We also help our clients determine the most cost-effective ways to reduce emissions. We have helped diverse clients ranging from major transit agencies to universities and large employers understand the reductions in greenhouse gas emissions that can result from the policies they choose.