Community Scale
Health Impact Scale for Air Quality Improvements In the Canadian Lower Fraser Valley Airshed
Dr. Rakesh Singh played a key technical role in a significant project focused on British Columbia’s Lower Fraser Valley, Canada. The project's main goal was to create a clear connection between reducing emissions of various pollutants and the resulting health benefits for the region.
As part of this effort, Dr. Singh led the development of an emission-dispersion modelling framework. This framework was essential for accurately assessing how pollutants spread across the region. It accounted for different emission sources and their effects on air quality, offering valuable insights into the distribution and concentration of pollutants in the Lower Fraser Valley.
In addition to this, Dr. Singh's work was critical in incorporating air quality changes into the Air Quality Benefits Assessment Tool (AQBAT). This tool allowed the team to evaluate the health improvements linked to emission reductions. By integrating the modelling data into AQBAT, the project was able to quantify the health benefits of cleaner air, offering a clear picture of how reducing pollutants positively impacts public health.
Through his technical leadership, Dr. Singh helped build a solid framework that demonstrated the real-world health advantages of cutting emissions. This project highlighted not only the environmental importance of emission reduction but also the substantial improvements in public health that can result from effective air quality management strategies.
Human Health Impact Evaluation Associated with Deployment of Electric Vehicles in Canada
A study by R.B. Singh, M.F. Jammer, and H. Pourbafrani, presented at the 112th A&WMA Annual Conference & Exhibition in Québec City in 2019, assessed the potential for reducing emissions through the adoption of passenger electric vehicles (EVs) in Canadian provinces, taking a life cycle approach.
A key feature of this research was the development of a site-specific statistical model. This model linked the emissions reductions from EVs to the annual average air pollutant concentrations at the Census Division (CD) level, focusing on Toronto and Montreal. By using this model, the researchers were able to estimate how EV adoption could improve air quality in these areas.
The study also analyzed the financial benefits of EV adoption, comparing the operating costs of electric vehicles to those of traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. This allowed the team to calculate the cost savings associated with emission reductions.
Overall, the study provides important insights into the emission reduction potential of EVs in Canada by considering their full life cycle. The site-specific model offered localized analysis by connecting EV emissions to air quality improvements in Toronto and Montreal. Additionally, the study highlighted the cost savings associated with switching to EVs, further supporting the case for sustainable transportation. These findings are valuable for policymakers and stakeholders looking to promote environmentally friendly and economically viable mobility options in Canada.
Development and Application of a Modelling System on Human Health Impact Evaluation by Change in Emissions
Dr. Rakesh Singh and Mike Jammer presented two key segments—Part 1: Model Development and Part 2: Model Application—at the 112th A&WMA Annual Conference & Exhibition in Québec City in 2019. Their presentation focused on the development and application of a site-specific statistical model designed to link changes in emissions with annual average ambient air pollutant concentrations at the Census Division (CD) level, particularly for Toronto and Montreal.
The model's predicted concentrations were used as inputs for equations derived from the Air Quality Benefits Assessment Tool (AQBAT), which is designed to quantify the health benefits of improved air quality. By applying this model to Toronto and Montreal, Singh and Jammer were able to assess how changes in emissions directly influenced local air quality and public health outcomes.
One of the key strengths of the site-specific model is its ability to estimate cost savings by linking reductions in emissions to health and environmental benefits. The model allows for the calculation of the monetary value per tonne of pollutant reduced, which provides a robust metric for comparing different air pollution control strategies across various regions, such as census divisions or provinces. This capability is especially valuable for policymakers and decision-makers seeking to prioritize and implement effective pollution reduction strategies based on cost-effectiveness and health impacts.
The study highlighted not only the importance of localized analysis in understanding air quality dynamics but also provided a practical framework for evaluating the economic benefits of emission reduction policies across different locations in Canada. This makes it a significant contribution to air quality management and policy development.
GHG Emissions Reduction Action Planning Tool (GAPWaterloo)
Dr. Rakesh Singh served as the project manager and technical lead for a major initiative in the Waterloo Region that focused on reducing community greenhouse gas (GHG) and criteria air contaminants (CAC) emissions from the transportation sector. In collaboration with the region and its municipalities, Dr. Singh spearheaded the development of a new method to create an updated GHG and CAC emissions inventory, specifically designed for the transportation sector. This method provided a more robust framework for collecting and analyzing data, ensuring the emissions inventory was accurate, reliable, and aligned with the region's needs.
Under Dr. Singh's leadership, the project team successfully developed a comprehensive emissions inventory, which included a detailed analysis of transportation-related emission sources. This involved collecting extensive data, evaluating emission patterns, and quantifying GHG and CAC emissions at the community scale. The updated inventory allowed for a better understanding of local emission dynamics and supported the region's efforts to address environmental challenges.
A key achievement of the project was the creation of the Greenhouse Gas and CAC Emissions Action Planning Tool for Waterloo (GAPWaterloo). This tool was designed to assess the effectiveness of emission reduction strategies implemented by the Region and area municipalities. It provided an integrated platform to evaluate various approaches, measure their impact on emissions, and support data-driven decision-making. GAPWaterloo became a valuable resource for guiding the region's long-term plans to reduce emissions in the transportation sector.
Throughout the project, Dr. Singh fostered strong collaboration among stakeholders, including municipal leaders, regional authorities, and other relevant agencies. His ability to facilitate effective communication and coordination ensured that the project stayed on track and met its objectives efficiently.
In summary, Dr. Singh's role as project manager and technical lead significantly advanced the region's greenhouse gas action planning in the transportation sector. By developing a new method for emissions inventory and creating the GAPWaterloo tool, he provided the region with the tools necessary to make informed decisions and implement effective emission reduction strategies. This project exemplified his commitment to promoting sustainable transportation and environmental stewardship.
Calgary’s Alternative Fuel and Technology (CALAFT)
Dr. Rakesh Singh designed and implemented a comprehensive study for the City of Calgary focused on alternative fuels and technologies for its heavy-duty fleet, employing a Triple Bottom Line (TBL) approach to ensure a holistic assessment of environmental, social, and economic sustainability. The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the operational, economic, and environmental impacts of various alternative fuels and propulsion systems, specifically targeting key fleet segments such as transit buses and refuse trucks. The aim was to provide practical, cost-effective, and environmentally beneficial recommendations to guide the city's future decisions.
To facilitate this analysis, Dr. Singh developed the Calgary-specific Alternative Fuel and Technology (CALAFT) model. This innovative model enabled a detailed comparison of emissions and costs associated with different fuel types and vehicle technologies by employing both direct and life cycle analyses. The life cycle analysis encompasses emissions from the entire fuel life cycle, including extraction, production, distribution, and usage, offering a comprehensive understanding of each fuel's environmental impact.
By utilizing the CALAFT model, the study delivered in-depth insights to the City of Calgary regarding the most sustainable options for its heavy-duty fleet. The analysis effectively balanced environmental benefits, operational feasibility, and economic considerations, equipping city officials with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions that align with their sustainability goals. Through this work, Dr. Singh played a crucial role in advancing Calgary’s commitment to sustainable transportation solutions..
Emissions Inventory (Scope 1, 2 and 3) and Environmental Management System (TRANSET) for Toronto Transit Commission
As the project manager and technical lead for the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), Dr. Rakesh Singh played a pivotal role in developing thorough inventories of criteria air contaminants (CAC) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. His responsibilities included analyzing historical, current, and projected emissions to gain a comprehensive understanding of the TTC's environmental impact.
Dr. Singh also designed and implemented an environmental management system to help the TTC meet its emission reduction targets. This system provided a structured framework for identifying and executing strategies aimed at minimizing the TTC's environmental footprint.
To ensure precise and standardized emission calculations, Dr. Singh developed a robust tool called TRANSET. This innovative tool incorporated industry best practices, specifically the methodologies outlined by The American Public Transportation Association for quantifying GHG emissions and The Climate Registry protocol. By utilizing these recognized standards, TRANSET enabled accurate and consistent emission calculations, facilitating reliable analysis and reporting.
Under Dr. Singh's leadership, the study identified key environmental priorities for the TTC, which served as guiding principles in formulating strategies to meet the City’s emission reduction goals. By concentrating on these priorities, the TTC could align its initiatives with broader sustainability objectives and make informed decisions regarding environmental management.
In summary, Dr. Rakesh Singh successfully spearheaded the development of comprehensive CAC and GHG emission inventories for the TTC. He implemented an effective environmental management system and created the TRANSET tool for accurate emission calculations. His work identified critical environmental priorities that guided the TTC in achieving its emission reduction targets and promoting sustainable practices.
Cost Effective GHG Reduction in Transit Buses, Saltworks Transit
As the technical lead for the Saltworks Transit Study in Redwood City, California, Dr. Rakesh Singh spearheaded a comprehensive analysis to evaluate cost-effective greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction strategies for transit buses using alternative fuel technologies. The project aimed to assess the comparative cost-effectiveness of reducing GHG emissions through the adoption of various advanced bus technologies, including electric, hybrid, and other innovative propulsion systems.
Dr. Singh's approach to the analysis involved an in-depth evaluation of both tailpipe and life cycle GHG emissions for each alternative technology. By employing the Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Transportation (GREET) Model, a widely respected tool in the field, he ensured accurate and consistent calculations of emissions. This methodology provided a holistic view of the environmental impact from fuel production to vehicle operation, giving a full picture of each bus technology’s performance.
Beyond environmental factors, Dr. Singh also led a detailed comparative analysis of the capital costs associated with adopting these alternative fuel technologies. His assessment included vehicle purchase costs and other associated expenses to identify the most economically viable solutions for the transit system.
The study’s findings offered key insights into the most effective and sustainable strategies for reducing GHG emissions in Redwood City’s transit buses. Dr. Singh's work helped inform decision-making processes by balancing environmental benefits with financial feasibility, guiding the city toward adopting greener, cost-efficient technologies for its public transportation fleet.