An Evaluation of the AirCare Program Based on Cost-Benefit and Cost-Effectiveness Analyses

Abstract

A cost-benefit analysis of the AirCare program in the province of British Columbia on the basis of emissions cost factors from the literature showed a benefit outweighing the cost. Furthermore, a cost-effectiveness analysis comparing the AirCare program with a hybrid-car rebate program revealed that the AirCare program is more effective in reducing emissions of major air pollutants such as NOx, hydrocarbons, and CO. However, the hybrid-car rebate program contributes significantly to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions because of much greater fuel efficiency, although its contribution to reducing emissions of major air pollutants is small compared with that of the AirCare program. Both the AirCare program and the hybrid-car program are therefore essential to addressing both local air quality improvement and global warming issues, and the programs complement each other.