A key issue for fleet operators in the current climate is making businesses more green. Changes to legislation and individual responsibility now mean that we need to be responsible for the level of pollution we create. For those running fleets, there is an automatic need for fuel burning vehicles so making drivers aware of reducing the level of emissions is vitally important.



Environmentally friendly fleets are good for the planet and also for business: running an inefficient fleet can mean additional costs of up to 35% which hits you where it hurts - on the bottom line. Well run fleets can reduce these costs significantly.

Five ways to help you go green

1. Manage the routes your vehicles take to reduce traveling time. Less travel time, time spent idling in traffic or unneeded diversions can lead to increase in fuel consumption for your business.

2. Train drivers in safe, fuel efficient driving. Encourage your fleet to drive responsibly to save fuel, money and the planet.

3. Reduce use of vehicles ? cut down on travel that is not needed for the function of your business and monitor the amount of out of hours use your drivers make of their company vans or cars.

4. Maintain your fleet ? a badly maintained vehicle can add up to 15% on your fuel costs.

5. Make sure that your travel remuneration policies are environmentally sensitive. Do not pay such rates to your drivers that encourage them to cover excessive mileage.

6. To minimize your business mileage always use your alternatively fuelled cars. This will help you to see where they may be beneficial to your fleet.

Apart from the above tips there are many ways to make your fleet greener. Proper record of your business mileage system can help you to manage your travel better and also helps you to identify the opportunities to reduce extra mileage. Good record of vehicle fuel consumption and proper analyses by the driver can also help you to identify the high and low fuel efficiency areas.

Nowadays many business people are using the facilities of teleconferencing and videoconferencing which is the best alternatives to business travel as well.

Being greener in fleet management isn't always easy as transportation is rapidly increasing due to booming business markets today. But help is at our hand. We can make it greener by proper procedures and method mentioned above.