Environmental Benefits from CO2 Reduction Due to Modal Replacement: A Light Rail Vehicle Case Study in Brasilia City☆

Abstract This work aims to measure the reduction of Carbon Dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions in atmosphere by replacing the modal urban bus by Light Rail Vehicle (VLT). In order to accomplish this objective, a case study in Brasilia, Federal District, in the stretch of VLT which passes on Via W-3 South was conducted. The Theory of Externalities that discusses the right to ownership of private and public goods and responsibilities about the positive and negative externalities caused by the agents and individuals of society was used to support the analyses. It was used the Top-Down method, which allowed the calculation the direct emissions of CO 2 . The values obtained on the reduction of CO 2 emissions were converted into values of carbon credits as a way to economically measure such reductions. The results showed a significant reduction in CO 2 emissions per year and consequent environmental benefit.