LocationsUNDP Tanzania Makes the Switch: Embracing SGR and Solar-Powered EVs for a Greener Tanzania
November 1, 2024
UNDP and UNV Tanzania staff in front of an SGR coach during a recent staff trip
In a move toward sustainability, UNDP Tanzania is now mandating the use of the newly inaugurated Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) for all official travel of staff between Dar es Salaam, Morogoro and Dodoma. This shift from road and air travel to the eco-friendly SGR underscores the UNDP’s commitment to reduce its global operational carbon footprint by 50% by 2030.
Shigeki Komatsubara, UNDP Resident Representative in Tanzania, highlighted this move as part of a broader effort to lead by example in combating climate change. “At UNDP, we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint wherever possible. The switch to the SGR is not just a matter of cost-efficiency—it’s about embodying the principles of sustainability we advocate for in Tanzania and worldwide. By utilising the SGR, we are making a tangible contribution to cutting carbon emissions, aligning with our global sustainability goals,” Komatsubara stated.
He added that UNDP’s decision is made possible by the Government of Tanzania’s strategic investment in sustainable infrastructure, reflecting the country’s development trajectory as it moves toward middle-income status.
Abbas Kitogo, Head of the Energy, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management Portfolio, emphasised the strategic significance of this move. "Transportation is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. By transitioning from car and planes to trains for official travel, we are reducing our environmental impact while also setting an example for others to follow. Every ton of CO2 we avoid brings us one step closer to a greener future."
According to a recent analysis by UNDP Tanzania’s Energy Efficiency Team - Engineers Sayuni Mbwilo, Kaare Manyama and Robert Washija, the switch is expected to yield significant environmental and economic benefits. Based on an estimated 100 round trips annually between Dar es Salaam and Dodoma, this shift could save over 5 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year. In financial terms, it would save UNDP approximately 32 million Tshs (around $11,700) annually.
Here is a summary of how the analysis was conducted:
1. How was the estimated 5-tonne CO2 reduction from switching to the SGR calculated?
The 5-tonne CO2 reduction estimate is based on data from the 2019 SGR Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) report for the SGR train and specifications from the Dash 8-400 aircraft model used by ATCL on the Dar-Dodoma route. We applied fundamental engineering principles to perform the calculation.
2. What factors were considered in calculating the estimated annual savings of 32 million TZS?
The financial savings are estimated based on 100 annual trips (100 UNDP employees) on the Dar-Dodoma route. We compared average round-trip ticket prices: 180,000 TZS for the SGR and 500,000 TZS for flights.
3. What challenges were encountered when comparing the environmental and financial impacts of air, road, and SGR travel?
This analysis focused solely on comparing SGR and air travel on the Dar-Dodoma route. While the estimate is based on 100 trips annually, the actual number may vary, though cost and CO2 savings remain significant. We can also extend the analysis to compare electric vehicles (EVs) with diesel vehicles if needed.
UNDP’s shift to using the SGR follows the introduction of electric vehicles (EVs) in Dodoma in 2023, further accelerating the organisation’s green transition. These EVs, charged by solar power, are now used by UNDP's Dodoma office for official trips within the city and for travel between Dodoma and Morogoro, a distance of approximately 270 kilometres. By combining the use of EVs with the eco-friendly SGR, UNDP is significantly reducing its carbon footprint, providing a compelling vision of the future of sustainable travel in Tanzania.
Adam Msuya, a driver for UNDP Dodoma, shared his experience with the EVs: “Driving the electric vehicle between Dodoma and Morogoro has been smooth. The car is quiet and efficient, and knowing it’s powered by solar energy makes me proud. It’s amazing to see how we’ve embraced greener technologies.”
A Global Mission: The Greening Moonshot
These local actions in Tanzania are part of UNDP’s broader Greening Moonshot initiative, which aims to cut the organisation’s global operational carbon footprint by 50% by 2030. Achim Steiner, UNDP Administrator, noted during the launch of Greening the Blue Tutorial, “Reducing emissions from our operations is critical to achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement. We lead on climate action by example." - What’s happening in Tanzania is an excellent example of how local initiatives can contribute to our global mission. To learn more about Greening UNDP Moonshot click HERE
As UNDP Tanzania continues to pioneer sustainability through initiatives like the adoption of SGR travel and solar-powered EVs, it demonstrates that everyday decisions—such as choosing eco-friendly travel options—can have a lasting environmental impact. With solar energy powering official vehicles and the SGR facilitating greener travel, UNDP staff are showing how practical steps can make a big difference!
How cool is that?
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