The IRU Initiative

The IRU Initiative "Driving Towards Sustainable Development" (1997)

The IRU Charter was followed one year later by another road transport industry initiative: the IRU Initiative, "Driving towards Sustainable Development". The initiative sets out the principles and prerequisites necessary to achieve Sustainable Development in the road transport sector.

The Initiative clarifies a number of key issues, including recognition that Sustainable Development is a multi-dimensional goal, which combines ecological aspects with economic and social objectives. It should also be highlighted that Sustainable Development is not available at zero cost, and that, therefore, measures for achieving Sustainable Development must always go hand in hand with Sustainable Profitability for the contributing company. Contributions from the road transport industry to Sustainable Development can be achieved most efficiently and rapidly if both the environment and the individual road transport operator are put in a win-win situation.

As regards the ecological aspects of Sustainable Development, it is important to highlight that emission levels and road safety are influenced by many factors. However, certain key factors, such as fuel quality or the quality of road infrastructure, are not controlled by the road transport industry. Therefore, IRU's commercial and governmental partners must also assume their respective responsibilities if Sustainable Development is to be achieved. More investments in road infrastructure, for example, is a sine qua non prerequisite for reduced emissions, especially in the light of growing demand for transport. In particular, revenues generated by road transport must be dedicated to the expansion, modernisation and maintenance of the road infrastructure, and cross-subsidies between modes must be avoided.

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