Retailers are keen to operate environmentally friendly fleets of vehicles, but still have a way to go, according to new research in England and Wales from the Energy Saving Trust.
This ‘Green Gap’ – the difference between what companies say and what they actually do – means that retailers waste considerable amounts of money and produce excessive levels of carbon dioxide emissions through their fleet of vehicles. Plus, they fail to take advantage of increasing consumer environmental awareness.
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 £1,000. Imagine what that could be for a whole fleet!”
Transport Minister Sadiq Khan said: “I am encouraged that so many organisations do recognise the importance of reducing the environmental impacts of their fleets.
“This is an important first step, but the real benefits come from taking action. The Energy Saving Trust can help organisations take the next steps to reduce carbon and save money from how they manage their fleets.”
The good news is that organisations of all sizes broadly exhibit a positive attitude to environmental issues. But given their stated commitment and the financial savings they could make, they often fail to turn their good intentions into positive action.
This is where the Energy Saving Trust can step in with a free Green Fleet Review to help support a company cut its carbon emissions and save money.
Fleets of over 50 cars are eligible for this free service which has already helped hundreds of organisations to cut their costs, reduce their carbon footprint and improve their social and environmental reputation.
In the retail sector, organisations like Virgin Media, O2 and Arcadia Group have already undertaken Green Fleet Reviews.
Key findings from research:
42% of retailers surveyed believe it is very important that organisations reduce the environmental impact of their fleets.Only 27% of retailers are turning their good intentions into action.Retailers therefore have a Green Gap of 15 percentage points.
Retailers of all sizes can make a significant step towards cutting emissions and saving money with the Energy Saving Trust. For further information and a chance to win FREE smarter driving lessons – which could save you £250 per driver** – visit www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/greengap or call 0845 602 1425.
Source: Energy Saving Trust
