Driving down fuel costs and vehicle emissions

Transport operators now have a new tool to help cut fuel costs and CO₂ emissions, following the launch of the CleanRun EcoDrive resources kit.

Environment Minister Bill Marmion said the kit was the first resource of its kind in Australia aimed to reduce vehicle emissions by promoting fuel-efficient driving techniques.

"The difference between the best and the worst driver can mean up to 35 per cent difference in fuel economy. Since fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions are directly linked, a driver who reduces fuel use by 35 per cent can expect a 35 per cent reduction in CO₂," Mr Marmion said.

The EcoDrive kit provides the resources for fleet operators to engage with their drivers to design an in-house EcoDrive training program. The kit was developed by the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) as part of its CleanRun initiative to reduce vehicle emissions.

The Minister said the kit was the result of several years of work with road industry partners and a professional road transport training provider and included an extensive trial with Toll IPEC drivers followed by wider industry consultation.

The free resource includes:

·        a handbook

·        a training package developed with industry experts, with a training video, PowerPoint presentation, workbooks, assessment  tools and an in-cab training CD for drivers to listen to on the road

·        information sheets with advice, instruction and background information for each task

·        driver engagement tools with workshop materials, agendas, surveys and sample strategies

·        'tools' for supporting change including templates for signs and posters, information booklets and written commitments

·        evaluation tools for calculating baseline data and program results.

Mr Marmion said although EcoDrive targeted fleet operators and commercial drivers, the program could help all drivers reduce their vehicle emissions and fuel costs. The initiative was funded in part by the Federal Government Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities.

For a free copy of the CleanRun EcoDrive resource kit please contact CleanRun at cleanrun@dec.wa.gov.au.