Driving cars is not an activity normally associated with helping to save the planet.
Pumping out CO2 or diesel fumes, the millions of vehicles on our roads can, surely, only add to the problems of climate change.
Yet, while that is true, motorists – and the majority of us rely on the car, both for work and domestic duties – can help to the environment by taking a few simple steps.
We can cut fuel consumption, reduce our carbon footprint and save money by making relatively minor changes to our style of driving and to our vehicles.
This month, in an initiative that is the first of its kind in the UK, car dealership Polar Ford on Canal Road, Bradford, is holding a special Eco Drive event to encourage people to adopt ‘green’ driving techniques.
Drivers will be able to sign up for an eco driving lesson with a specialist from the Energy Saving Trust. The three-part lesson will first measure the driver’s current fuel consumption and CO2 output around a pre-set route, followed by tuition on improving their driving techniques. The lesson will end with a second drive around the same route to record the improvement in the measure of miles per gallon and CO2 emissions.
A pilot scheme last year by the Energy Saving Trust and Ford showed that the average motorist can make fuel savings of £200 to £250 per year and cut their CO2 emissions by 17 per cent.
“That means the average car in the UK – which emits just under three tonnes of CO2 every year – would be saving just under half a tonne of CO2, which translates to hundreds of pounds at the pumps,” says Jos Mister, transport co-ordinator for the Energy Saving Trust in West and South Yorkshire, who is passing on her expertise at the Eco Drive session.
“If people were aware of how much money they could save by such simple measures, they would almost certainly employ these eco-driving tips. You are doing your bit for the environment and also for your wallet.”
At the same time, by adopting eco-driving techniques, driving is made less stressful, accident rates are cut and wear and tear on vehicles reduced.
“As well as special events such as the one in Bradford, we are beginning to work with local employers across the region to offer eco-driving advice both in person and over the phone.”
The type of car you drive can also have a major impact on the amount of fuel your car consumes. “All new vehicles have an energy performance certificate like those you find on fridges and freezers,” says Jos. “It is a chart with different bands from A, which is the most efficient, to G, which is least. At a glance, you can see whether a car is ‘A’-rated or lower.
“The bands relate to how many miles per gallon you can get, so the better the rating, the cheaper and greener the car is to run. A-rated cars will do more miles per gallon and cost less in fuel and tax.”
Displaying the chart is not compulsory in car showrooms, though most major dealerships, such as Polar Ford, do so. Polar also supply a handy, pocket-sized fuel consumption calculator and guide to efficient motoring.
If everyone buying a brand new car chose the most fuel-efficient car in its class, CO2 emissions from new cars could be reduced by up to 24 per cent and save up to three months’ worth of fuel per year.
Diesel engines generally produce less CO2 but more air pollutants than a petrol-powered engine. If most of your driving is long-distance or motorway, diesel tends to be more efficient and lower CO2 emissions, whereas in town, where air quality is a greater consideration, a petrol engine may be a better option.
Patrick Byrne, general manager of Polar Ford in Bradford, says the course has many benefits: “We are trying to encourage the public in general, not just our customers, to adopt smarter driving techniques. Seeing what you can save, it makes a lot of sense. It has cost benefits as well as lowering emissions.”
Contacts
- If you are interested in taking part in the Eco Drive from January 29 to 31, ring Polar Ford on (01274) 756200 or visit polarford.co.uk. The cost per session is £10.
- For green driving tips, visit energysavingtrust.org.uk. See how much money you can save through fuel-efficient vehicles at direct.gov.uk
- Find out more about a car’s CO2 emissions and find the lowest CO2-emitting new car at actonco2.co.uk in association with What Car.
- Check vehicle CO2 emissions for many cars going back to January, 1997, at smmtco2.co.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article