Is everyone on the route to Net Zero?
3 August 2022
The importance for organisations to have a joined-up approach to sustainability was highlighted recently by an embarrassing incident during a cabinet meeting at President Macron’s Elysée Palace.
The president wants France to reduce its energy usage by 10 per cent within two years, but chauffeurs driving ministers to the meeting left their engines and air conditioning running for the two hours while it took place, according to press reports.
This was so that the politicians could be driven back in comfort afterwards, it was said, leading to claims of hypocrisy at a time when energy supplies are under pressure throughout Europe following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Government advisers said afterwards that earlier instructions asking official drivers not to leave engines running had not been passed on.
Elsewhere in Europe, Spain’s government wants to cut energy consumption by 7 per cent by ordering public facilities and shops to turn off lights early and reduce climate control settings. However, the leader of the Madrid region is resisting, saying this will damage tourism and adversely affect business as it recovers post-pandemic. Again, the messages are mixed.
Considering the situation more generally, on the route to Net Zero organisations of all kinds and sizes need to have a co-ordinated strategy, and tool hire companies provide some excellent examples of good practice.
To take just one, GAP Group is working towards FORS (Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme) Gold accreditation for its fleet of more than 700 commercial vehicles (pictured above). As reported previously, this includes driver training to keep their knowledge and working practices updated.
The hirer’s HGV vehicles are fitted with a telematics system which monitors driver behaviours and includes route planning to minimise unnecessary mileage and fuel usage. GAP also only purchases vehicles with the latest Euro 6 diesel engines, helping to reduce CO2, NOx (nitrogen oxides) and particulate matter emissions.
Perhaps you could say that this strategy is literally putting the company on the route to Net Zero. But joking apart, organisations must focus on effective delivery as much as developing a sustainability strategy in the first place.
