Reducing carbon footprints is a focus for businesses and organisations across the world. The climate crisis threatens us all and everyone has a role to play in turning the tide.
Transportation continues to be a significant emitter of greenhouse gas, accounting for roughly 20% of global CO2 emissions. Businesses, supply chains and logistical networks contribute significantly to this figure. As such, organisations are being tasked with finding ways to reduce their impact.
Business fleets are often central to operations, but they’re commonly optimised for convenience and cost-saving over sustainability. How can a fleet become more eco-friendly?
Switch to EVs and hybrids
Transitioning to an electric or hybrid fleet may be a daunting jump, but the benefits can be staggering. Besides slashing your carbon footprint, sustainable fleets can reduce operational costs, boost profits and aid progress towards ESG objectives.
Electric vehicles are also an easy win for public relations. Sustainable vans and cars with branding are a touchpoint for customers and clients, highlighting your commitment to environmental concerns.
The process of transitioning can be complex and costly, but the return on investment can be significant.
Optimise driving habits
If you’re not quite ready to switch to an electric fleet, driving styles can be a good area to focus on. Drivers directly impact fuel efficiency through how they handle gear changes, acceleration and idle periods.
The good news is that habits can be easily adjusted with training and monitoring. Driving economically will limit carbon emissions and increase cost-effectiveness. New systems deliver real-time feedback on driving styles to help your staff make a difference.
Better driving also reduces wear and tear on company vehicles, saving money on maintenance and repairs down the line. There are insurance benefits too, limiting the need to claim on smart repair insurance and other forms of cover.
Route planning
Fleet efficiency can be improved significantly with route optimisation. Planning effectively, with the help of dedicated software, helps to minimise the miles travelled by your vehicles. This can increase productivity, fuel efficiency and profitability, all while limiting your fleet’s carbon footprint.
Vehicle tracking technology gives logistics planners the tools to analyse and optimise the routes taken by a whole fleet. Small improvements over time combine to make a significant difference, saving you money and progressing towards sustainability goals.
Business fleets can sizeably increase your organisation’s carbon footprint, so finding ways to make them more efficient is beneficial across the board. Switching to an electric fleet is the ideal step, although not every business will have the resources and infrastructure to do that just yet. Optimisations can still be made if you’re relying on petrol or diesel vehicles.
