Reduce transport

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from transport have risen throughout the 1990s and now account for around one quarter of the UK’s total carbon dioxide emissions. Road transport is predicted to grow by a further 33 per cent in the next 20 years (Environment Agency). A threefold increase is forecast in demand for air travel by the year 2030. These trends indicate that, despite technological advances, the environmental impacts of transport will grow unless action is taken at all levels – by government, business and individuals.

 

Walking and cycling

Walking and cycling automatically slash travel related CO₂ emissions. Although 25% of the UK’s CO₂ emissions are due to travel, most car journeys are under 2 miles. Many of these journeys could be taken on foot or by bike.

There are now many ways in which the work place can assist staff to make the switch to walking or cycling. Organising bike to work days or walking at lunch time is just the start.

The bike to work scheme allows people to effectively purchase a bike for 50% of the RRP using a salary sacrifice scheme. The scheme is also extended to cycling peripherals such as locks, lights and safety equipment. Find out more http://www.cyclescheme.co.uk/ 

 

Driving efficient vehicles

Many car manufacturers are taking on board the challenge to cut the CO2 emissions coming from their engines. Hybrid engines combine a small petrol or diesel engine with an electric engine. Batteries for the electric engine are charged while the vehicle is in motion, and provide a boost to the standard engine, giving fantastic fuel efficiencies. Some non-hybrid engines are also producing some great efficiencies. Look out for highly efficient diesel engine cars such as the VW Bluemotion range.

Visit www.cleangreencars.co.uk for more information about car efficiencies.

 

Using public transport

Some journeys are of course just too long to walk or cycle. Many of these could be taken using public transport.

To find out what routes are available near you, visit www.transportdirect.org.uk

 

Car sharing

Some journeys are difficult to carry out using public transport. However our roads are full of cars with only one person in, all taking exactly the same journey as each other. Car sharing is one way to cut the number of cars on the road, while slashing CO₂ emissions.

Car sharing schemes can be set up in the workplace or at school, for example, by simply posting a notice on a notice board.

Visit www.liftshare.com  to find others who have logged an interest in lift sharing in your area.

 

Using alternative fuels

In response to climate change and increasing oil shortages, a number of alternative fuels are now available. Electric cars are becoming more of a viable option as the technology improves. There are now a few production cars on the market, with some fantastic vehicles waiting in the wings. If electric cars are recharged with "green electricity", this significantly reduces their CO₂ emissions. Another alternative, biofuels, is rather controversial due to the energy involved in production and land requirements. Because of this, some biofuels can actually result in more CO₂ being emitted than normal diesel. The best biofuel is biodiesel made from recycled cooking oil.

Visit www.biodieselfillingstations.co.uk to find out where biodiesel can be bought.

 

Driving more economically

While driving, there are many things that can be done to minimise fuel consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and accident rates - smart, smooth and safe driving techniques can deliver average fuel savings of 10%.

How to get more out of your car and less out of your pocket: