Episode 15 :: Saving fuel in business
Winstone Aggregates kicked off its fuel efficiency drive by tackling a range of issues. Driver education, regular maintenance, route planning and efficient vehicle choice all played a part. Not only is the company saving more than $300,000 every year, but the steps it took paid for themselves within a year.
Winstones' top tips for fuel efficiency:
- Start monitoring your fuel use
- Do your homework on your engine choice
- Limit speed
- Cover trucks and trailers, loaded or not
- Reduce excessive idling
- Keep tyres at optimal pressure
- Plan trips and optimise vehicle use
- Get your drivers on board
Read the Winstone Aggregates case study
Read the action sheet Saving energy in business: transport
Fuel-efficient driving
If your staff drive for work, their on-road habits may be costing more than you realise. There’s a surprisingly large difference between the fuel used by an efficient driver and a non-efficient one. Fuel-efficient driving is also safer - so if it becomes company policy, you’ll reduce the rate of accidents, insurance claims and fines.
Here are some tips:
- Invest in staff training and education – whether this is run in-house or externally.
- Follow training up regularly so people remain aware
- Ensure that new staff are brought up to speed with driving standards
- Monitor fuel use and provide incentives for efficient driving
From mid-2010, the Ministry of Transport is offering SAFED NZ - training in safe and fuel-efficient driving for bus and truck drivers. EECA is offering a promotion so that every organisation attending a SAFED NZ seminar, will go into the draw to win training for up to four drivers.
Read the SAFED NZ flyer for more information about driving training.
Read the terms and conditions for EECA’s SAFED NZ promotion [EECA Business website]
Choose efficient vehicles
Ensure you have the right sized vehicle for the job – not just the largest one you might need. Consider having a mixed fleet with small efficient cars for around town and larger vehicles for longer load-carrying journeys.
Compare vehicles’ safety and fuel efficiency at www.rightcar.govt.nz
The New Zealand Transport Agency provides a guide to selecting fuel efficient heavy vehicles
Vehicle fuel economy labels
When choosing a car to buy, look out for vehicle fuel economy labels which show how much fuel a car uses and its annual running costs. In New Zealand, the label must be displayed on new and late model used cars available for sale by registered motor vehicle traders and on internet listings.
Find out more about fuel economy labels on the fuelsaver website http://labelling.fuelsaver.govt.nz/allfaq.html#What is fuel economy information?
Look at biofuels
Another way of reducing the carbon footprint of your transport fleet is by switching to biofuel blends.
Bioethanol blends can be used in place of petrol and are available at service stations in many parts of the North Island.
Biodiesel, an alternative for diesel vehicles, is being increasingly produced in New Zealand. Although it’s not available from retail outlets. It can be bought directly from producers.
Check with the manufacturer whether your vehicles are biofuel-compatible.
