Greener fleets need not be a pipedream for businesses.

The green credentials for fleets operating across the country could be significantly improved by the employment of a range of simple techniques by both drivers and managers. However, many businesses may not realise just how easy it can be to be more ecologically-friendly, so here is a helpful guide.
Why should I go green?

Iain Macbeth, business engagement programme manager at Transport for London, highlighted the myriad responsibilities fleet managers have in delivering a greener future for UK firms as part of responsible fleet management plans.

He stated: “As major purchasers of new vehicles you are central to the adoption of newer, cleaner technologies into the vehicle fleet. As coordinators of business travel, deliveries and services you can help to improve vehicle use, reduce congestion, improve journey time reliability and save your business money. As providers of driver training you can also improve safety, while reducing emissions and saving fuel.”

Promoting a greener fleet is something all companies should be looking to achieve in this day and age, as issues like climate change mean everyone has to do their part to reduce the nation’s overall carbon output.

Furthermore, employing green fleet principles will also have a range of benefits in terms of helping to reduce fuel expenditure, more efficient use of vehicles and driver time, as well as leading to improved reputation.

What can I do about it?

The answer to this question is actually quite simple, lots. There are many tried and tested techniques to improve fleet efficiencies and sustainability, so here are just a few.

Controlling and reducing fleet emissions – and proving that you are doing it – begins with monitoring them. CO₂Count makes emissions monitoring easy for any fleet from a couple of vans upwards, to meet with UK Government and EU requirements.

The thousands of customers now using the CO₂Count emissions monitoring service are finding it to be the first step in cutting emissions, as well as helping to provide a long-term positive impact on climate change.

They are also helping to make a difference right now, where it matters most: in the rainforest. Thanks to our unique partnership with Europe’s fastest growing environmental charity – nobody else in the automotive sector does this – for every CO₂Count Certificate issued, we make a donation to Cool Earth.

Cool Earth works alongside indigenous villages to halt rainforest destruction. In our first year of partnership, our donations totalled £78,764, which exceeded the initial target we set for ourselves.

Optimising travel plans to ensure drivers are taking the most direct route to their destination will help to eliminate unnecessary mileage, while also increasing the likelihood drivers will arrive at their destination on time.

This also helps to reduce wear and tear on vehicles, which in turn delivers key benefits in terms of lower maintenance costs and overall emissions.

Speaking of maintenance, it is essential all vehicles are regularly inspected by qualified mechanics to ensure they are operating at full efficiency. This means carrying out inspections like checking tyres for excessive wear and tear and under-inflation – as having the wrong psi in tyres can impact fuel consumption by up to two per cent.

Knowing where your vehicles are at all times is also a must, as any side trips or out-of-hours use by staff can significantly increase a business’ carbon footprint.

Furthermore, implementing driver training to ensure staff are aware of the best methods for improving their efficiency should be a priority for businesses, as ultimately it is the way vehicles are used that can make the biggest difference to overall fleet efficiencies.

How can smooth driving improve efficiencies?

Understanding the way the engine powers a vehicle is an important part of getting the lowest emissions and best levels of fuel consumption, as the engine will always work harder when it is accelerating rather than travelling at a constant speed.

This means avoiding excessive braking and acceleration by planning ahead on the road. Pay careful attention to what is happening up ahead and be more gentle on the brakes and gas pedal.

Meanwhile, avoid the use of air conditioning when possible, as powering this system uses a small amount of fuel. In addition, drivers should aim to change gears at lower revs – typically between 2,000 and 2,500 rpm – to save fuel.

Sticking to the speed limit will also pay dividends in terms of saving fuel, as the faster a person drives the further from their optimal fuel efficiency they will be. Finally, reducing idling can also have large benefits, as when a car is stationary it is achieving zero mpg.

Looking for help to promote your company fleet’s green credential and intentions?

Steph Bennett of The Fuelcard People can help promote your company’s green credentials with our partnership with Cool Earth, a leading environmental charity.

The Diesel Direct fuel card and our other fuel card offerings, in conjunction with CO₂Count and Cool Earth can help your company’s green fleet policy.