Global warming is said to be the biggest challenge of the 21st century. With a quarter of carbon emissions from UK road transport, fleets are at the forefront of efforts to reduce CO2.
This message was underscored by the Budget in March 2008. Also new carbon-based tax measures to rise more than 2 million pounds of vehicle users, the Treasury issued a major report on the future of cars with low emissions of carbon – Review King.
If formally adopted by the Government, the revision of the King is expected to be the roadmap for reducing CO2 emissions from cars by an ambitious 30% over the next five to ten years. The Committee urges the Government to create a framework within which the technologies of low carbon vehicles can go from 'platform showroom 'as quickly as possible and where tax incentives and public education to create a new market for low-emitting products.
Currently, the Government, the policy is "to promote the polluter pays." Drivers can expect the BIK tax increase on greenhouse gases and high operating costs for environmentally inefficient vehicles, for example, most of the congestion charge and see. For companies that reduce their carbon footprint, there will be opportunities to take advantage of tax benefits and a lower fuel bill!. For example, a fleet of 200 drivers, an average of 15,000 miles business per year produces more than 700 tonnes of CO2 a year. If the fleet has reduced its annual emissions by 20% through the reduction measuressuch mileage and the purchase of lower emission vehicles, which could save over 140 tons of CO2 (and about  £ 60,000 on the purchase of fuel).
How do I know what CO2 my current fleet is?
Wanting to reduce the carbon footprint of its fleet is one thing, but knowing what it is today, is essential. Fuel Cards are a powerful tool in this regard, allowing fleet operators to capture and analyze data on CO2 emissions, developed Actual fuel consumption per vehicle, and fleet as a whole. This gives companies a starting point, and from this, plans and objectives may be set and monitored time.
What can I do to reduce my carbon footprint of the fleet?
There are a number of ways to reduce carbon emissions, mainly around vehicle selection, maintenance, driver behavior and their journey. Looking in detail each area will allow not only to reduce CO2, but to enjoy the additional benefits of business – such as a reduction in repairs, wear and tear costs, improved risk rating of the conductor and a lower fuel bill.
What can drivers do to reduce your C02 footprint?
The drivers play a role very important in determining their fleet emissions of CO2. They do this through the way they drive, their attitudes and expectations, and the cars of your choice.
That drivers know that the CO2 reduction is an important goal for your business, and is expected to drive efficiently and avoid unnecessary trips. These statements include this effect in the fleet policy and the driver's manual.
Drivers must start to realize the relationship between fuel consumption and C02,
It is therefore essential to understand and act upon the following: Check your revs – change between 2000 – 2500 rpm. Revolutions scrap your car motor fuel, avoid quick getaways at traffic light – accelerate slowly when the light turns green. The fastest to accelerate the more fuel they consume. Avoid revolutions before turning off your engine.
Anticipate road conditions and drive smoothly – Avoid sharp acceleration and heavy braking. This saves fuel tire wear and reduces accident rates. Drive smoothly – Aggressive driving increases fuel consumption and produces more CO2. Avoid accelerating or braking too hard – this can reduce fuel consumption by over 10% in urban areas.
Use air conditioning sparingly – As more significantly fuel consumption.
Car immediately when cold start – idling to heat the engine wastes fuel and causes rapid engine wear. Turn off the engine when you're in a queue for a long period of time, or waiting for someone. Restart a modern engine is efficiently implemented without extra fuel.
Avoid short journeys – a cold engine uses almost twice as much fuel and catalytic converters can take five miles to be effective.
Avoid excessive Idling – Idling gets you nowhere but still burns fuel. Turn off the engine when you're in a queue for a long period of time, or waiting for someone.
Stick to speed limits and make their fuel go further – driving at 85 mph instead of 70 mph uses more fuel than 25%. It can be tempting to drive faster long, empty roads, but the fuel efficiency drops significantly over 70 mph. Use cruise control if available – On main roads which helps maintain a constant speed and in many cases, improve fuel consumption.
Plan your trip – To avoid congestion, road works and getting lost.
Check tire pressure regularly – Under-inflated tires are dangerous and can increase fuel consumption up to 3%.
If you're stuck in a jam, switch off – Cut the engine to save fuel and stop emissions.
Plus – before driving:
Remove roof racks when not in use – that significantly increase drag. If fully loaded roof rack can increase emissions by 30%. Keep your home or back seat clear of unnecessary items that add weight to your vehicle.
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