Green gap for businesses

Business travel

New research into company cars in the UK has revealed a 'green gap' between good intentions and actual behaviour. Businesses, charities and public sector organisations are keen to operate environmentally friendly fleets but still have a long way to go, according to new research in England and Wales from the Energy Saving Trust.

This 'green gap' - the difference between what organisations say and what they actually do - means that organisations waste considerable amounts of money and produce excessive levels of carbon dioxide emissions from business travel.

Speaking about the research, Philip Sellwood, Chief Executive of the Energy Saving Trust, said, "We have come a long way in getting organisations to take the environmental impact of their fleet vehicles seriously. But we need them to have more than just a positive attitude. We're calling on businesses to do more than 'talk the talk'. Many get full marks for attitude but not for effort; which is a surprise given the money they can save. It really is time to bridge the Green Gap, cut carbon and save cash. Per car per year companies can save GBP£1000. Imagine what that could be for a whole fleet!"

The GBP£1000 saving is based on factors such as an average business mileage of 7670 miles per year, a reduction in fuel consumption of 10 percent (petrol) and 15 percent (diesel) through more efficient vehicle purchase, and the fuel cost saving through more efficient driving style (Smarter Driving)

Positive attitude

Despite the 'green gap', the good news is that organisations have shown a positive attitude to environmental issues.

The report also found that the public sector is making most ground in implementing a green fleet, with 56 percent of public sector fleets reporting that green issues are central to their fleet policies.

They found that 60 percent of fleet managers surveyed said that reducing the environmental impact of their fleet is very important, only 27 percent have policies in place to do something about it; equating to a 'green gap' of 33 percent.

And whilst 57 percent say it is very important that their employees drive the most fuel-efficient vehicles, fewer than half of these companies - 24 percent - ensure that they actually do.

For further information: The Energy Saving Trust is offering free fleet advice to organisations who sign up at www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/greengap or who call 0845 602 1425. You have the chance of winning free 'smarter driving' lessons - which could save GBP£250 per driver

Jodie Humphries

Jodie Humphries graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA Hons in Creative Writing in 2008. She has worked for GDS Publishing for the digital group since July 2009. She has previous experience with writing for the web, running her own website since April 2007.

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