Emissions reduction

Driving the greener way by reducing emissions

Emissions reduction fact - Every litre of diesel burnt releases 2.6 kg of CO2 into the atmosphere.

As a freight carrier, the amount of fuel you use each journey is your responsibility – as is the amount of CO2­ released. You can achieve emissions reduction by getting more out of each litre of fuel.

When driving efficiently your fuel consumption is reduced, meaning each litre of petrol or diesel goes further. Doing this can cut petrol costs and reduce carbon emissions by as much as 15%.
You can do your bit to help the environment by following our emissions reduction top tips.

Emissions reduction - our top tips

Take a look at the following ways of reducing emissions...

Optimum speed

Did you know? - Your speed greatly affects the amount of carbon emissions produced. High speeds (over 50mph) use much more fuel.

• Reduce engine wear and tear - use motorways and dual tracks when possible, rather than stopping and starting through cities or windy country roads.

• Set your cruise control to the speed that gives best fuel consumption (usually 45-50mph).

• Avoid harsh braking and sharp acceleration – use the exhaust brake when possible.

Gears

Did you know? Gear changes, using the wrong gear, and high revs all waste fuel

• To reduce emissions change gear before revs get too high, skipping up to a higher gear when possible (i.e. from 2nd straight to 4th).

• Read the road ahead – slow down and keep moving to avoid gear changes.

Engine idling

Did you know? - A typical heavy duty truck engine consumes 2 litres of fuel per hour when idling – costing about £1.70 and releasing around 5kg CO2 per hour *.

• To achieve emissions reduction, turn your engine off in traffic jams, when parked and on breaks.

• Don’t leave the engine idling to heat the cab – use a night heater to save fuel and contribute to an overall reduction in emissions.

Cold engine

Did you know? A cold engine almost doubles fuel consumption.

• Avoid early-morning manoeuvring - manoeuvre when parking so you can drive away immediately when starting from cold

Aerodynamics

Did you know? - Extra lights and accessories spoil airflow...and increase fuel consumption and your emissions

• Making your vehicle as aerodynamic as possible can help you reduce emissions.

• When driving tipper lorries, sheet empty bodies as well as loads. Keep overall body height low.

Condition of HGV

• Emissions reduction can be achieved by ensuring your vehicle is in top condition. Under-inflated tyres can increase fuel consumption by 3%.

• Rips and tears in curtains adversely affect airflow.

Freight exchange from Freightex

Of course, registering with Freightex, one of Europe’s leading freight exchange companies, means putting fewer vehicles on the roads and hauling full loads on both journeys – it is the ideal way of reducing emissions!

* Information taken from Department for Transport - Freight Best Practice www.freightbestpractice.org.uk