REduction of Break weaR Emissions in the Transport sector

In the last years, the brake industry community – due to the consumption of brake systems when a vehicle has to be stopped – has become aware of the related non-exhaust Particulate Matter (PM) emission which can affect air quality. For this reason, technical countermeasures are currently being developed in the case of passenger cars.

Public Transport Concerns

Unfortunately, the same approach has not yet reached public transport vehicles. Several studies have proven that nearby bus stops can have an accumulation of high PM10 levels, thereby elevating passengers’ exposure to PM10 while waiting at bus stations, with possible consequences for their health status.

Project Objectives

Within this scenario, the RE-BREATH project aims at:

1. Demonstrating and measuring the reduction of PM10 emissions related to the bus braking system at the bus stops and other hotspots, for protecting the health and well-being of citizens who are standing.
2. Supporting national authorities to estimate non-exhaust emissions to be computed in the EMEP/EEA emission inventory, according to the 2016/2284/EC Directive.
3. Proving the decrease in the brake wear rate, and therefore the increase in the durability of the braking system compared to the traditional one, for a more sustainable economy.
4. Modelling a concentration map of pollutants emitted from brake wear and the pedestrians' health exposure risk map to support the design of a green intervention along the bus routes in Bergamo and the formulation of guidelines for policymakers.

Demonstrative Actions

The RE-BREATH project will conduct two demonstrative actions by using a fleet of ten buses in two European cities: Bergamo (Italy) and Bratislava (SK), which are in two of the regions where the EEA states that there are the highest concentrations of PM (2.5 and 10).