Greener business car management is all about better efficiency, says David Watts from Energy Saving Trust.Greener business car management is about reducing business mileage and improving the efficiency of journeys. Rather than adopting high profile environmentally-friendly vehicles that run on alternative fuels.
Business car managers should concentrate on fuel and mileage management rather than LPG-fuelled vehicles, electric cars, or hybrids. Although these technologies can play a part.
But the greenest mile is the one not travelled. Business owners need to ensure that business cars and vans are only being used when they need to be. And that the journeys that are made are as efficient as possible – by concentrating on these areas, companies will automatically cut their carbon footprint and reduce costs.
There are three basic elements in green business car management:
- the business car;
- the journey;
- and the driver.
The business car should be suitable for use and have the lowest environmental impact possible; the journey should only be undertaken if it is needed and there are no viable alternatives; and the driver should be aware of driving in a more environmentally friendly manner and act accordingly behind the wheel.
Finally, if you can, measure your fuel use. And pinpoint those who are using too much with driving tuition.
Further information
This article was taken from a presentation by David Watts at the Future of Fleet, organised by GE Capital Solutions, Fleet Services
For more on fuel saving tips, read our Special Report: Save fuel costs by driving efficiently
