Do a quick online search and you’ll see there has been a massive increase in the demand for companies to ‘green’ their fleets.
Though there is a greater demand for the ‘greening’ of fleet, at the same time there has been a surge in speculation about what ‘green’ really means and what can realistically be achieved within South Africa’s infrastructure.
Amidst all the debate, it’s important to take a step back and remember that fleet efficiency depends on many factors, not just the type of fuel you put in the tank (or battery). Many fleet managers struggle to evaluate their fleet’s level of ‘green’ because they don’t have a point of reference. So what does a green fleet really look like?
A ‘green’ fleet may feel like a new trend, but in most ways, it’s just a new term for ‘efficient’ – and that’s a concept most fleet managers are more than familiar with. Efficient and effective are the ultimate goals when managing a fleet.
The best way to evaluate your fleet is to identify the key areas that affect your fleet’s efficiency:
Fit for Purpose
The concept of ‘fit for purpose’ is an all-encompassing term that loosely translates into ‘the perfect vehicles for your fleet’. You want to ensure that you’ve done all your research, looked at all your options, and put vehicles on your fleet that will do their job in the most cost-effective way. And to be cost-effective means being fuel-efficient – and this, in turn, boosts your fleet’s green rating.
Age
Every vehicle has an optimum operating lifespan. This isn’t only dictated by the type of vehicle, but also the conditions in which is used, how it’s driven, and how well it is maintained. Most professional fleet management companies will be able to calculate at what age your vehicles need to be defleeted in order to keep your fleet as efficient and green as possible. If you’re defleeting and adding vehicles to your fleet based purely on mileage, years, or even company policy to keep vehicles on fleet for a certain number of years, you could be damaging your overall efficiency. Consider all factors from fuel consumption to maintenance costs before deciding when vehicles need to be replaced – this will help you stay in the ‘green’ band when it comes to the age of your fleet.
Maintenance
It’s almost impossible to overemphasise the importance of sticking to your vehicle maintenance schedule. And not just the manufacturer schedule, but also other checks, such as tyres. Keeping your fleet in top condition is arguably the best way to ensure you’re staying as green as possible, regardless of the type of fuel your vehicles use. A poorly maintained vehicle will use more fuel and require more repairs that all add to your carbon footprint. Anyone with a well-maintained fleet can add ‘green points’ to their management style.
Driving style
Efficient drivers are key to greening your fleet. You can monitor driver efficiency through fuel consumption, but keep road conditions in mind. Regular training and incentives to encourage more efficient driving are a must for modern-day fleets. Not only will this lower consumption and therefore your carbon footprint, but you’ll be doing your budget a favour as well. Fleet managers who ensure their drivers get the right training, and monitor their driving style, will run much greener fleets than those who don’t.
Effective Data
All of the above points depend on one thing: access to relevant data. You can research and monitor all day long, but if you don’t know how to use this data in order to green your fleet, it’s a pointless exercise. And there are many options: most fleet management companies will be able to tailor-make a package for your fleet that collects only the data you really need. Fleet managers who have effective monitoring solutions in place, and take action when needed, can rest assured that they’ll be able to stay at the front of the ‘green’ curve.
Despite all the pressure on fleet managers to ‘green’ their fleets, there isn’t an official standard or rating scale where those in the industry can rate their fleets. And it’s unlikely there will ever be one because fleets are so varied. The option, therefore, is to take a checklist like the one above and aim to tick off as many of the ‘green’ boxes as possible.
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