Helpful tips to reduce your footprint
By now, we are all aware that lower levels of CO2 emissions lead to better air quality and overall improvements to the environment and our own health. However, air pollution still remains a huge concern and one of the leading causes of air pollution in the UK is transportation.
Choosing to reduce your fleet’s carbon emissions will not only have a positive impact on the environment and society, but you will also benefit from lower fuel costs, reduced tax rates, and preferential national insurance contributions.
With this in mind, we have pulled together some tips on how to reduce your fleet’s CO2 emissions.
Review your fleet's current CO2 emissions
If you are looking to reduce your fleet's emissions, then it is important to understand what your current carbon footprint looks like.
You can measure your fleet’s CO2 emissions in a number of ways. Typically, this is done by using a carbon footprint calculator online, which considers factors such as annual mileage. Once you have established your current position, you can then identify areas for improvement on your journey to net-zero.
Set maximum CO2 thresholds
Imposing CO2 caps on company car choice lists sends a powerful signal of corporate intent, accelerating the process of carbon emission reduction. These caps should also apply to employees who opt for a cash allowance rather than a company car.
Route optimisation
Accurate planning can help you avoid traffic jams and can save you time, resulting in lower CO2 emissions. The shortest possible route may not always be optimal, so it is worth considering factors such as congested routes and planned roadworks.
Consider alternatives and go electric
Carbon savings can be substantial if you electrify your fleet, and there are many reasons to consider going electric:
- Fully electric vehicles have zero tailpipe emissions – they are greener, cleaner, and better for the environment.
- Plug-in hybrids emit zero tailpipe emissions when being driven in electric mode.
- Make savings with lower tax rates and Government grants, reducing purchase costs.
- Reduced fuel consumption, lower maintenance costs, and tax breaks can help lower whole life costs.
- Maintain a positive corporate image and meet business corporate responsibility goals by improving your green credentials.
- EVs often have the latest in vehicle and battery technology, increasing vehicle range and reducing maintenance costs.
- EVs help to improve air quality and are eligible to travel in ULEZ zones free of charge.
- EVs provide attractive vehicle options for employees with lower rates of BIK, the latest technology and reduced fuel costs.
The Pendragon Vehicle Management team can help you with evaluating your fleet’s fuel mix, choosing the right hybrid and electric vehicles for your business, giving your employees the best choice in low emission company cars, and, most importantly, staying compliant with the latest government guidelines. More general information can be found on our EV hub.
Vehicle Maintenance
Staying on top of your fleet’s maintenance is important for reducing CO2 emissions. For example, tyres can play an important role in fuel economy, as under-inflated tyres can create more resistance, causing the engine to have to work harder and subsequently using more fuel.
Consider a car sharing programme
Carpooling is more CO2 efficient than driving solo. It can help to reduce the CO2 footprint, and it is a cheaper alternative for a company’s employees to travel to work.
Choose suitable commercial vehicles
Choosing suitable light commercial vehicles to avoid excess volume and payload can add to CO2 savings. Where possible, choose smaller, more fuel-efficient vans, so long as they are operationally fit for purpose.
If you are thinking of looking at hybrid or EV commercial vehicles, making the right choice is equally important. Consider how far you need to travel on a daily basis, as well as suitable charging solutions, as these will help you determine whether a hybrid or electric commercial vehicle is a suitable option.
Offer additional driver training
The individual driver is by far the most important factor in determining a vehicle’s real world carbon emissions. Accelerating hard, excessive speed and engine idling all burn unnecessary fuel. Coaching company car and van drivers can allow them to adjust their driving style to reduce fuel consumption.
Utilise PHEV's ability
Plug-in hybrid vehicles are providing a low emission stepping stone for many company car drivers. PHEVs most noticeably help the environment when drivers utilise their all-electric abilities by recharging their batteries on a regular basis.
Avoid unnecessary business journeys
Online conferencing tools such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom offer an alternative solution to meeting in person. Your business should seek opportunities to utilise these programmes wherever possible, as you will save a significant amount of fuel, reducing CO2 emissions.
