CO2 Smarter Business Travel master

Need More Information? The following websites provide information on how to reduce the carbon emissions and costs associated with business travel: The Energy Saving Trust provides free guidance and support for companies wishing to reduce the cost and CO2 implications of business travel, including the motorvate certification scheme. See www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/england/Transport/Business The Department for Transport website provides guidance on the Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation and the use of biofuels in fleet vehicles. See www.dft.gov.uk/topics/sustainable/biofuels/rtfo/

Save money and CO2 through smarter business travel Business travel associated with construction projects accounts for approximately 15% of total emissions from the construction industry1. You can reduce the impact of your business travel by adopting some tried and tested strategies outlined below.

Actions to consider

ACT TravelWise provides a network for all organisations working to promote sustainable travel. Members receive support through learning opportunities, partnership working, marketing support and networking events. See www.acttravelwise.org

1.

Set up a low carbon travel policy

2.

Implement a fleet management strategy

The Strategic Forum for Construction has produced an action plan for reducing CO2 emissions on construction sites. See www.strategicforum.org.uk/carbon.shtml

3.

Conduct a ‘Green Fleet Review’

4.

Specify vehicle fuel efficiency

The Green Construction Board is working in partnership with industry to provide a platform for green growth. See www.greenconstructionboard.org

5.

Manage your mileage

Government and industry targets and actions for reducing CO2 emissions from the UK construction industry are included within the Low Carbon Construction Action Plan. See www.bis.gov.uk/policies/business-sectors/construction/low-carbon-construction-igt/lowcarbon-construction-action-plan

6.

Reduce the need to travel

7.

Change the culture of driving

8.

Promote smarter driving

9.

Consider use of hire cars

WRAP has developed useful guidance and tools for reducing construction-related CO2 emissions. See www.wrap.org.uk/construction

10.

Encourage green travel

The Carbon Trust provides CO2 reduction advice and support and can help you work out the carbon footprint of your business, including the impact of business travel. See www.carbontrust.com

A wealth of information is available to assist you. See the back cover for relevant links to more information.

CIRIA deliver a programme of business improvement services and research activities for those engaged with the delivery and operation of the built environment. See www.ciria.org Transport Direct is a free online resource for planning effective and efficient journeys in the UK. The website also provides a tool for comparing CO2 emissions for a journey across different modes of transport. See www.transportdirect.info The Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) represents the interests of civil engineering contractors registered in the UK. See www.ceca.co.uk The Construction Alliance represents small and medium companies. See www.theconstructionalliance.org For more information see www.strategicforum.org.uk

1 Strategic Forum for Construction (SFfC) 2010 Carbon Assessment Report

This guide has been produced by the Strategic Forum for Construction (SFfC) Carbon Subgroup as part of its actions to decrease carbon emissions on construction sites. This work, which began as part of the delivery programme for the 2008 joint government and industry Strategy for Sustainable Construction, is now absorbed into the activities of the Green Construction Board through its Greening the Industry Working Group. The Strategic Forum for Construction is a place where the industry comes together to discuss strategic issues facing construction and seeks to develop approaches for the benefit of all.

THE GREEN CONSTRUCTION BOARD

How to save money and CO2 through smarter business travel Key £

Set up a low carbon travel policy

Reduce the need to travel

The policy should include annual emission reduction targets. Monitor and report progress against these targets on a regular basis.

Use technology to avoid travel. Provide facilities for remote meetings such as teleconferencing, webconferencing and videoconferencing.

£ 

Indicative scale of implementation cost

CO  Potential saving benefit 2

££ 

The Energy Saving Trust (EST) Motorvate certification scheme helps companies to report a robust and independently verified annual transport CO2 footprint and any emissions reduction achievements.

Implement a fleet management strategy £ 

Introduce, manage and communicate a fuel purchase and consumption strategy which sets CO2 emission reduction targets and fuel economy benchmarks. Set up and use a fleet vehicle database to monitor performance.

Conduct a ‘Green Fleet Review’ £ 

A review of your fleet can help reduce running costs, reduce environmental impact and enhance corporate social responsibility.

Change the culture of driving £ 

Promote car sharing and incentivise employees to choose low emission vehicles and reduce their mileage over time. Cap business mileage levels, reduce fuel benefits and consider providing company car drivers with a fuel card.

Promote smarter driving £££ 

Driver training can reduce fuel use by up to 15%. Offer ‘Smarter Driving’ lessons to staff, this will help them to drive safely, use less fuel and lower insurance risk.

The Energy Saving Trust offers a free ‘Green Fleet Review’ or ‘Fleet Health Check’ for companies in England.

Specify vehicle fuel efficiency ££££ 

Establish corporate car fleet emissions standards. These standards should be systematically reduced over time to drive down CO2 emissions.

Consider use of hire cars ££ 

The use of hire cars instead of company cars can save money and reduce the CO2 as cars are only booked when needed. Hire cars are usually newer models and thus more fuel efficient.

Only lease and procure company vehicles with fuel economy labels in Band A or B or equivalent.

Manage your mileage £ 

Measure your mileage, set an appropriate reduction target, monitor and report progress.

Encourage green travel ££ 

Promote the use of trains rather than car or air travel and consider whether journeys can be carried out by cycling or public transport. Incentivise with schemes such as cycle to work or green mileage rates.