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Before you set off

 

Car sharing

 

Sometimes, you may not need to use your vehicle at all. When it comes to commuting, could it be feasible to share a car with another colleague? Not only do you eliminate your own emissions, it reduces congestion and parking issues for others. If there is no one at work who is able to car share, there is always the Liftshare network, which matches you up with people with similar journeys.

 

Plan Ahead

 

Planning your route can not only save money but fuel too, thereby reducing your emissions. Watch out for congested routes and road-works to ensure you have a clear journey. Also weigh up a motorway route against a more direct route, which may save a few minutes but would use the most amount of fuel.

 

 

Preparing your journey

 

Reduce drag

 

Your fuel efficiency is affected dramatically by aerodynamics, so items such as roof racks, roof boxes and bike carriers will increase drag and therefore fuel consumption.

 

Check your tyres

 

Not only is it dangerous to have under-inflated tyres, it also increases fuel consumption and makes them wear out faster. Its important to check your tyres every week, especially before you go on a long journey. Tyre pressures for vehicles are listed in the owners manual.

 

Carry the minimum

 

Having heavy equipment and clutter in the car is often not necessary for each journey. Rather than carrying extra kit that will make the engine work harder, therefore reducing fuel consumption, could you take it out?

 

Smarter Driving

 

Driving smarter can save fuel, cut harmful CO2 emissions, reduce wear on tyres and make journeys less stressful. One of the most obvious things to consider is your speed. Going faster means you will increase fuel consumption. Keep an eye on the speedo and try to make gear changes by 2,500rpm, which is normally the most efficient point to do so.

 

 

Look Ahead

 

Focus far ahead when you are driving so that you can anticipate road conditions and potential hazards. You'll find this will make your driving smoother, with less harsh braking and acceleration used. By coming off the accelerator rather than braking at the last moment, fuel flow is cut, improving your economy.

 

The Myths

Many still think it is necessary to warm a car up by letting it idle before heading off. But with sophisticated ECUs in control of the engine, it simply isn't needed for modern cars. Start your journey straight away and save burning unnecessary fuel!

 

Another myth is that, when restarted, engines use up a lot of extra fuel. Once again, because of modern advances, this isn't true. So, if you're caught in traffic for more than a minute or two, consider switching your engine off.

 

Using Equipment

 

Many modern cars are fitted with an array of conveniences, such as as air conditioning and heated seats. Try to only use them when really needed. At motorway speeds however, the use of your air conditioning is more efficient than opening your window, which increases wind resistance and fuel consumption.

 

Driver Training

 

There are many courses out there to help your organisation's personnel drive more economically. There is even training that combines driving safer too. The Energy Saving Trust claim that they can save £250 per driver, per year if they do 12,000 miles with their Smarter Driving Course.

 

Fleet Advice

Getting to grips with your organisation's fleet operating costs and emissions can be difficult. You can however get free assistance on getting a greener vehicle fleet from the Energy Saving Trust. They can carry out environmental reviews on your organisation's vehicles, from the smallest of fleets to 50+ vehicles.

 

Depending on the size and location of your organisation's vehicle fleet, the Energy Saving Trust. can provide a range of transport advice services that could save up to £1,000 per vehicle, improving your environmental impact and helping your corporate social responsibility credentials Government funding means advice can be delivered in England, Scotland and Wales.

 

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