This toolkit is designed to show you how eco-driving can save your business and staff money, as well as making them safer drivers.
Why promote eco-driving to staff?
Eco-driving can save your business and staff money, while also making them safer drivers. Eco-driving techniques can reduce fuel consumption. 50 AA employees took part in an eco-driving experiment and they saved on average 10% on their weekly fuel bills, with the best achieving a 33% reduction.
If you use hire cars or pool cars, this could save your company money on fuel costs.
Guidance and tips
There are a lot of easy but effective ways to decrease fuel usage when driving, many of which will also increase safety.
If your staff make journeys on company business, this can help lower the cost of their journeys, lower car maintenance costs, and improve their safety on the job, but every staff member who drives to work can also benefit. Some eco-driving ideas include:
- Checking tyre pressures regularly – under inflated tyres negatively impact fuel consumption
- Staying within the speed limits – It uses up to 9% more fuel to drive at 70mph compared to driving at 60mph
- Anticipate the road ahead – Heavy braking and strong acceleration can both negatively impact fuel usage
- Taking out unnecessary weight – roof boxes and heavy items that aren’t being used will increase fuel usage
- Going into the suggested gear in newer cars increases fuel efficiency
Please see the Travel Devon website or the AA website for further tips and guidance on eco driving.
Eco-driving courses are available from various providers. An online search can help you find your nearest provider.
Promoting eco-driving at your workplace
The techniques mentioned above can be promoted to employees in many ways, including through staff newsletters/blog posts, on posters around the office, or even in email footers.
You can also use national events, such as Road Safety Week run by Brake, to promote safe and environmentally friendly driving to your staff.
Pass Plus
Pass Plus is a practical training course that takes at least 6 hours and is for drivers to improve their skills and drive more safely. Find out more on the Government website.