By Webfleet Solutions sales director Christopher Chisman-Duffy
Australia is falling behind major world economies which have more ambitious approaches to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The vehicle emissions report released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) yields alarming results, showing only one third of local car manufacturers met the national CO2 standard in 2020. Also, Australia’s average emissions intensity overshoots that of European countries by a staggering 45%.
Multiple factors lie behind the scene – consumer preference for heavy vehicles, the industry’s slow adoption of new ecocentric technologies, all topped off by the government’s indolence in setting a redeemable emissions reductions target, as per the Paris Agreement.
All of this has put businesses under pressure. To help drive momentum around ‘going green’, businesses can start by doing a few things themselves.
Start with internal change; improve driving behaviour
Drivers just want to get the job done as quickly as possible. This mindset often translates into bad driving behaviours such as harsh braking, rapid acceleration and driving at inconsistent speeds, altogether toppling fuel efficiency and vehicle performance, that the company ultimately pays for. Over time, this has an impact on corporate reputation, as Webfleet Solutions’ research shows over half (51%) of Australians are drawn back from doing business with a company with reckless drivers.
Businesses may want to keep a closer eye on the way employees use (or abuse) their vehicle. If managed correctly, success can manifest in better overall driving and lower fuel spend. Businesses can look to telematics software that enables real-time feedback and analysis of driving styles. The vast array of data, from speeding, fuel consumption to gear shifting and idling, allows them to have a holistic view of how each driver is performing.
To promote an economical driving style, businesses can also explore gamification. This would work similar to a reward and recognition program, where employees who practice responsible driving are incentivised and in turn, motivated to perform even better.
A long-term investment; EVs and hybrid vehicles
From lower maintenance costs, less noise pollution and fumes, to improved driving experiences and contribution to the environment, the benefits of fleet electrification are all-encompassing.
Even through COVID-19, EV sales in Australia increased almost seven-fold compared to exactly a year ago, and 62% of Australians agree the government should introduce EV purchase subsidies.
This is the perfect opportunity for fleet companies to encourage the use of new driving technologies and drive conversation around the broader topic of renewable energy. This can help to solidify positive consumer perspectives on EVs, which will convert into greater market demand and vehicle imports, ultimately helping to accelerate Australia’s pace in achieving sustainability goals.
For businesses yet to convert to a full EV-based fleet, they can still stay ahead of the game by promoting eco-driving. They can do this via a digitised fleet system, which allows them to pick up signs of vehicle malfunction and over-consumption of fuel, keeping them alert whenever a fleet needs a ‘health check’.
Green likes green; work with businesses on common ground
Sustainability has evolved into a mindset that increasingly determines what consumers purchase and how companies do business across the globe.
Naturally, individuals want to connect with organisations that offer a social value proposition that extends beyond the personal, instant gratification. Are our products and services sustainably sourced? How can we make sure such processes are transparent and open to the public? What can we do to give back to the environment? These questions are especially important for businesses whose nature is perceived as environmentally unfriendly, such as manufacturers of plastic, fleet products and single-use goods.
Businesses that implement green-led initiatives can paint themselves as an ethical, environmentally conscious and forward-thinking game-changer. Besides enhancing internal operations such as fleet monitoring and safe driving education, they can look into partnerships with other companies to amplify the green effect.
Webfleet Solutions has engaged in a long-term partnership with international NGO Justdiggit to help regenerate dry lands in Africa. The platform, Green Your Fleet, puts a dollar figure next to customers’ fuel consumption and mileage based on the size of their fleet, inviting them to help make a real climate change.
