A new study by Goodyear has revealed that 61% of UK fleets have put formalised sustainability objectives in place. Their investigation into what action truck fleets and transport companies are taking to reduce their carbon footprint, found that a further 27% expect to have sustainability plans in place within the next year.
The survey also highlighted the obstacles that are preventing fleets from operating more sustainably. Respondents cited the cost (52%) and complexity (36%) of some solutions as the most significant challenges.
Three-quarters (75%) of those surveyed said that financial incentives would encourage them to further improve the sustainability of their operations, while half (48%) said that solutions which are easier to use would be helpful.
Maciej Szymanski, director of marketing for Commercial Business Europe at Goodyear, said: “It’s heartening to see that fleets are responding so positively to the challenge of climate change. For such a large number to not only be taking action, but to be putting plans in place out of a genuine concern for environment, as opposed to simply to appeal to new customers, is incredibly encouraging.
Ninety-two UK fleets were surveyed as part of the study. When asked why they viewed sustainability as important, nearly two-thirds (63%) responded that their interest stemmed either from concern for the environment or their corporate values.
A much smaller number suggested that their concerns were purely business-related, with just 17% saying that they value sustainability as a way to reduce operating costs and 13% that it’s a requirement to win new business.
Among the most popular solutions already being used by respondents to improve the sustainability of their fleets are fuel-efficient tyres (67%), telematics solutions to monitor and reduce fuel consumption (65%) and the setting of fuel consumption objectives for drivers or implementation of driver training (59%).
The most uncommon solutions were retread tyres (36%), alternate drivetrains, such as hybrid and electric (25%), and the deployment of higher capacity vehicles or duo trailers (21%).
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