Bangladesh, which suffers from severe air pollution, is ranked as the country with the worst air quality globally in 2021, and its capital Dhaka is the second most polluted city in the world. Vehicle emissions contribute significantly to this environmental challenge. To address this issue, a recent study led by Sakie Kawsar and colleagues at Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology explores the applicability of the European emissions model, COPERT 5.5, to Bangladesh, with the aim of developing comprehensive vehicle emissions inventories.
The Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology research team, comprising Sakie Kawsar, Sourav Biswas, Muntasir Noor and Professor Md. Shahid Mamun, conducted a detailed analysis using COPERT 5.5 to calculate the annual emissions of various vehicle categories in Bangladesh over the past few years. The results were compared with estimates from World Bank data. Published in the journal Environmental Science: Atmospheres, the study establishes that COPERT 5.5 is a suitable tool for Bangladesh, and suggests updated emission factors for CO2 and other pollutants.
The study highlights that vehicle emissions account for a significant share of Bangladesh's total CO2 emissions.2 Bangladesh’s CO2 emissions are very high, with the majority of them coming from road vehicles. The lack of a tailored vehicle emissions model and comprehensive emissions inventories has hampered effective air pollution management in the country. COPERT 5.5, a widely used European emissions model, offers a robust solution to this problem. Using this model, researchers developed country-specific emissions inventories, providing a clearer picture of vehicle pollution in Bangladesh.
Significant results indicate that the COPERT 5.5 model can accurately estimate emissions for the unique conditions of Bangladesh. The study calculated the annual CO2 production2 of different vehicle classes and compared the results with World Bank data, which showed little or no discrepancy. This validation confirms the applicability of the model in the context of Bangladesh.
The research team concluded that implementing COPERT 5.5 could lead to substantial improvements in air quality management. The model provides detailed information on CO emissions.2 and a dozen other major pollutants, allowing policymakers to make informed decisions. “COPERT estimates can help upgrade vehicle emission standards in Bangladesh by imposing new rules related to European standards and fuel quality, thereby reducing emissions levels,” Kawsar said.
One of the crucial findings of the study is the update of the emission factors for the different vehicle categories. The researchers proposed new CO2 emission factors2 emission factors of vehicles with the latest technologies currently in circulation in Bangladesh. This update is vital for accurate emissions estimates and effective policy formulation. The study’s emissions inventories provide a comprehensive overview of the contribution of different vehicle types to the country’s total emissions, highlighting areas requiring targeted interventions.
By establishing a reliable emissions model, the study paves the way for comprehensive research into national air pollution rates. Government departments can use these estimates to formulate and implement stricter emissions standards, which will contribute to improving air quality and public health.
In conclusion, the research by Kawsar and colleagues marks an important step towards better management of vehicle emissions in Bangladesh. The application of this model can generate significant positive effects on air quality and address one of Bangladesh's most pressing environmental concerns.
Journal reference
Kawsar, S., Biswas, S., Noor, M., & Mamun, M. S. (2023). Investigation of the applicability of COPERT 5.5 emissions software in Bangladesh and development of national level vehicle emission inventories. Environmental Sciences: Atmospheres, 4, 57-72. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EA00047H
About the authors
Dr. Md. Shahid Mamun is a distinguished professor and head of the Department of Civil Engineering at Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology (AUST) in Dhaka, Bangladesh. He is also the director of the AUST Extension Service Center, which deals with consultation, testing, and research. He completed his BSc in Civil Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), followed by MSc in Transportation Engineering from the University of Toronto, Canada, and PhD in Transportation Engineering from the University of Florida, USA. Dr. Mamun’s research interests include transportation policy planning and evaluation, travel demand modeling, traffic impact assessment, transportation network modeling, and traffic simulation and signal control systems. Dr. Mamun is also actively working on various transportation projects in Bangladesh and mentors numerous students in their academic and research endeavors.
Sakie Kawsar, Sourav Biswas and Muntasir Noor completed their Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh where they conducted their thesis under the supervision of Dr. Mamun leading to this publication. After graduation, Sakie Kawsar is currently pursuing Master of Science in Civil Engineering with specialization in Transportation at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA and is actively developing her technical skills to contribute effectively in her field. Sourav Biswas is an Assistant Engineer at Toma Constructions & Co. Ltd., focusing on project feasibility assessments, overseeing quality control and assurance, and providing technical guidance to ensure all construction projects meet design and safety standards. Muntasir Noor is a Civil Engineer at MARCS Architect & Engineer LTD in Chittagong where he manages project materials, oversees quality control and assurance, and ensures construction projects are completed on time and within budget.
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