While some attempts to lessen the environmental impact of automobiles are very high profile, like using hybrid vehicles or biodiesel for example, others can be just as powerful over the long run. One of these that’s very intriguing is putting an extra emphasis on fleet tracking. Join us for our look at how fleet tracking affects the environment with example stats below. The “green” potential of fleet tracking is inspiring.
How Fleet Tracking Positively Affects the Environment
When setting out to commercially use automobiles in a manner which is more environmentally friendly, the first thing that needs to be stressed is that knowledge is power. The more things that you can track and control in your fleet, the better. One example that is both clear and easy to understand is driver speed. For every 5 mph over 65 that drivers drive they reduce the economic use of their fuel by nearly 8%. The United States uses 7 billion barrels of oils a year. Regulating driver speed nation wide could save up to 500 million barrels of oil a year. The environmental and economic benefits of this type of reduction of oil use are great. Fleet tracking of their driver’s driving speeds can certainly ensure companies are doing their part to make this reduction of oil use a reality.
The reduction of the number of barrels of oil used annually through fleet tracking gives a second environmental bonus. Less oil burned a year equals a reduction in green house gas. Currently, the United States is the number one producer of green house gases in the world, producing 1,600 million tons a year. A great percentage of these green house gases come from automobile use. In fact, if American automobiles were considered their own nation their production of these gases would put them a solid number five on the list! Using fleet tracking technology to ensure fleets are operating in a way that keeps their fuel use as low as possible reduces green houses gases released. It’s really a win / win when it comes being environmentally conscious.
Fleet Tracking and Optimal Routing helps Environment
Real time fleet tracking allows companies to plot optimal routes in even very poor and emergency situations. This also saves fuel and reduces other impacts the fleet could have on the environment. A stirringt recent example of this was the use of fleet tracking technology during the Hurricane Sandy crisis in the North Eastern United States. Many of the problems that one would expect with the delivery of needed supplies and other services were avoided through the smart use of fleet tracking. Vehicles were directed around damaged bridges and flooded roads in real time and given the best routes to take to arrive at their destinations. When a fleet uses the optimal routes, not only is fuel saved, but like in the case of Hurricane Sandy even greater benefits can be felt. This is a remarkable benefit of having the technology installed and companies being competent in their use. Fleet tracking has been tested in some of the worst cases imaginable and passed with flying colors. Real time ability to direct fleets to their best routes is an environmental plus that can’t be discounted and more and more fleets are embracing.
More Fleet Managers Concerned about Environmental Impact
Fleet managers and drivers are overwhelmingly behind the drive to lessen fleet’s environmental impact according to a recent study by Arval. Arval’s data shows over 80% managers being concerned with doing all they can to make their fleets operate in an environmentally sound manner. Installing and using fleet tracking technology is a quick road moving in that direction, allowing their jobs to be done more efficiently and “greener” at the same time. The same survey pointed towards their embracing environmental measures which also ultimately end up saving their companies money, another area where fleet tracking is sure to be included.
Fleet Tracking a Clear Way Forward
Fleet tracking is a clear way forward in protecting the environment, especially when combined with smart training programs for both drivers and managers on how to do their part in helping become more proactively environmentally conscious. The fact that the technology brings multiple benefits, beyond helping the environment and is generally very affordable makes it even more appealing to companies who haven’t yet installed fleet tracking capabilities. For both fleets and the environments it’s a win.
