Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) is pleased to make these materials widely available to fleet professionals. Greenhouse gas pollution is the major driver of human-caused climate change and the best science tells us that we need to act quickly to bring down our emissions of these gases. Vehicles are a significant source of greenhouse gases. Corporate fleets, with 3 million vehicles in the U.S., emit more than 45 million metric tons each year. By adopting fuel-smart driving practices, fleet drivers can take a small step to reduce these emissions and lower corporate fuel bills. Driving habits are only part of the steps needed to reduce fleet emissions. Companies should also seek to include the most efficient vehicles that make business sense in their fleets, look for ways to reduce miles traveled, and explore low-carbon fuel sources. Environmental Defense Fund has a long history of assisting leading fleets in reducing their emissions. Our best practices for reducing emissions and related tools are all available online at www.edf.org/greenfleet. This document contains several sample communication pieces that help get drivers onboard with efforts to improve driving habits. The samples are: • an email announcement to drivers from the CEO • an online announcement article for the company intranet; • a quarterly driver performance report; • a fuel-smart driving pledge; and • a list of fuel-smart driving behaviors In addition to these sample materials, EDF has produced an online module that introduces drivers to these fuel smart practices and a handbook for fleet managers seeking to operate an effective driver engagement program. These items are available at www.edf.org/greenfleet.
Sample Web Announcement INTRODUCING THE FUEL-SMART DRIVING PROGRAM Overview The Fuel-Smart Driving Program was designed to demonstrate the difference that we, as drivers, can make in reducing our fuel costs, lowering our carbon footprint, and protecting our environment. As a leading company, we are in the business of creating a better world, and I think the Fuel-Smart Driving Program fits neatly with our mission. The idea behind the Fuel-Smart Driving Program is simple: by learning and practicing a handful of new driving habits, we will measurably reduce greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time we’ll save thousands of dollars worth of fuel each quarter, lower our operating costs, and in a small but very real way, help our nation reduce its dependence on foreign oil. Because drivers alone will make this program a success, COMPANY NAME will share program fuel savings with participants in the form of Fuel-Smart Driving Program rewards. Our company-wide goal is to improve fuel economy and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by a full {PERCENT GOAL, i.e. 5%} over the next year with the Fuel-Smart Driving Program. Your help is critical in reaching this goal. How It Works 1) Review the key driving tips, which are explained on our Fuel-Smart Driving Tip Sheet, and take the pledge to give them a try. Additionally, watch the homepage of our fleet intranet site, where each month we will feature a new driving tip. 2) Practice as many of the tips as possible whenever you drive. (And, don’t forget to use them when you drive your personal vehicles, too. It’ll help you manage energy costs at home and help the environment!) 3) Compare. At the end of fiscal quarter 3, you will receive a simple report of the miles per gallon (MPG) you achieved during the quarter, compared to the MPG you achieved during the prior quarter. Essentially, you’re competing with your own “old” driving habits. Granted, some things you can’t control such as variations in your driving patterns (e.g., highway vs. city driving) will have an effect on your fuel economy, but for the most part these variations should evenout over a quarter’s worth of driving. 4) Win. All drivers showing improvement will receive rewards: 1-5% improvement $10 gift card; 5-10% improvement $20 gift card; 10-15% improvement $30 gift card; 15-20% improvement $40 gift card;
greater than 20% improvement $50 gift card. In addition, the driver in each territory showing the greatest improvement will receive ADDITIONAL REWARD (i.e. two tickets to sporting event). They’ll also be recognized in our corporate newsletter. 5) Share. Have an idea that could save fuel? Submit a tip here. If your tip is selected as our Tip of the Month, you’ll receive a $15 gift card. In addition, your fleet manager will share our collective progress each quarter towards our FuelSmart Driving Program goal: a 10% improvement in fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions company-wide. Questions and Suggestions CONTACT NAME, your respected colleague and outstanding fellow driver, will serve as the Fuel-Smart Driving Program coordinator. Please contact him/her at CONTACT EMAIL with any questions, suggestions, or concerns about the Fuel-Smart Driving Program. Additionally, check our biweekly corporate newsletter, NAME OF NEWSLETTER for periodic program updates.
Sample Driver Report Thank you for participating in the COMPANY NAME Fuel-Smart Driving Program. The idea behind the Fuel-Smart Driving Program is simple: by learning and practicing a handful of new driving habits, we will measurably reduce greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time we’ll save thousands of dollars worth of fuel each quarter, lower our operating costs, and in a small but very real way, help our nation reduce its dependence on foreign oil. This report compares the miles per gallon (MPG) you achieved during the most recent quarter to the MPG you achieved during the prior quarter. Essentially, you’re competing with your own “old” driving habits. Granted, some things you can’t control such as variations in your driving patterns (e.g., highway vs. city driving) will have an effect on your fuel economy, but for the most part these variations should even-out over a quarter’s worth of driving.
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Don’t forget that the driver in each territory showing the greatest improvement will receive ADDITIONAL REWARD (i.e. two tickets to sporting event). This quarter’s winners will be announced in the next issue of our corporate newsletter. Please contact Sally Smith, the Fuel-Smart Driving Program coordinator, at ssmith@acme.com with any questions, suggestions, or concerns about the Fuel-Smart Driving Program.
Sample Program Launch Email Dear Colleague: Please join me next DATE for the official launch of the COMPANY NAME FuelSmart Driving Program. The Fuel-Smart Driving Program was designed to demonstrate the difference that we as drivers can make in reducing our fuel costs, reducing our carbon footprint, and protecting our environment. As a corporate leader, we are in the business of creating a better world, and I think the Fuel-Smart Driving Program fits neatly with our mission. The idea behind the Fuel-Smart Program is simple: by learning and practicing a handful of new driving habits, we will measurably reduce greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time we’ll save thousands of dollars worth of fuel each quarter, lower our operating costs, and in a small but very real way, help our nation reduce its dependence on foreign oil. Because drivers alone will make this program a success, COMPANY NAME will share program fuel savings with participants in the form of Fuel-Smart Driving Program rewards. During the meeting we will explain how the Fuel-Smart Driving Program works, go over key driving tips, and answer any questions you may have. Your fleet manager and I have been trying out the program’s driving techniques for the past month and we’ve become believers: they’re easy, and they work. In fact, with your help we believe that the FuelSmart Driving Program will improve fuel economy and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by a full {PERCENT GOAL, ie 5%} over the next year. We’ll also put less wear and tear on our vehicles and become safer drivers in the process. To join the meeting: Last but not least, we’re going to have some fun with this. In addition to rewards for all participants who make an honest effort, the Fuel-Smart Driving Program introduces a little friendly competition with prizes for standout drivers. I look forward to working with you on this fun and exiting new initiative. Sincerely, Hugh G. Boss President
Fuel-Smart Driving Pledge I recognize that my driving behavior impacts the fuel economy of my vehicle, and that through improved driving practices, I can reduce my fuel use and environmental impact. I pledge to: • • • • • Minimize the time that my vehicle idles. When I am stopped and not in traffic, I will turn the engine off. Reduce the cargo weight my vehicle carries. I will not carry around unnecessary materials or equipment. Avoid aggressive driving. I will accelerate and decelerate gradually, anticipate stops, and will not drive at excessive speeds. Plan routes ahead of time. Where possible, I will plan my route to avoid unnecessary backtracking and inefficient routing. Keep tires properly inflated. At least once a month, I shall check tire pressure and, if it’s low, I’ll have the tires inflated to the proper PSI.
Name: ___________________________ Date: ___________________________
Tips for Cutting Automobile Emissions We can all do our part to reduce global warming pollution from our vehicles. It starts with selecting the most fuel efficient car that meets your needs and fits your budget. Here are tips for reducing emissions with the vehicles you already own. On the road again—tips for driving Lighten up! Carrying around an extra 100 pounds in your car reduces your fuel economy by up to two percent. Take with you only what you need and be sure to place luggage inside instead of in the trunk or on the roof to minimize drag and maximize your mileage. Take it easy. Nine out of 10 doctors and engineers agree—aggressive driving wastes fuel, not to mention increases stress and accidents! Rapid acceleration and braking reduces gas mileage and can burn an extra 125 gallons of gas per year. Even if the person driving in front of you hasn't seen our tips list, hold your horsepower and keep your cool. Keep it slow. In highway travel, exceeding the speed limit by a mere five mph results in an average fuel economy loss of six percent. You're not on the NASCAR circuit. This is commuting, not racing. Don't be an American idle. Idling for more than 10 seconds uses more gas and emits more global warming pollution than restarting your car! Also, the best way to warm up a car in winter months is to drive it. When the temperature is below freezing, give it 30 seconds—that's all you need. Hot fun in the summer time. Air conditioning can decrease your fuel efficiency by as much as 12 percent in stop-and-go traffic, so consider cracking the windows. But at high speeds, driving with the windows open can decrease the overall efficiency of the vehicle. At higher speeds, you can use the vents to get a good air flow. On the hottest days keep your AC on low. It's in the shop—car maintenance tips Don't be tune deaf. Keeping your engine properly tuned can save you up to 165 gallons of gas per year. Checking spark plugs, oxygen sensors, air filters, hoses and belts are a few examples of maintenance that can result in potential savings of over $400. Keep up the pressure. Low tire pressure wastes over two million gallons of gasoline in the United States—every day! Save about a tank of gas a year by keeping your tires properly inflated. And make sure to have your tires correctly aligned to maximize fuel economy.
Go grease lightning. Thicker than required oil will reduce your gas mileage, because it takes more energy to push through thick oil than it does through thinner oil. Check your owner's manual for the recommended viscosity, and ask for it specifically when you get your oil changed. Failing to plan is planning to fail—other tips for everyday drivers Combine trips. Cutting a 20 mile trip out of your schedule each week can reduce your global warming pollution by more than 1,200 pounds a year and save you over $100 in gas expenses. Avoid the rush. Plan trips during off hours when fewer cars are clogging the roads.
The above tips are from Environmental Defense Fund, more can be found at: http://www.edf.org/page.cfm?tagID=1142. Other examples of communicating these tips can be found at: www.fueleconomy.gov; www.ecodrivingusa.com; and http://www.cartalk.com/content/features/fueleconomy/