For times when travelling by car is unavoidable you can still reduce your impact on the environment by driving more sensitively. The Energy Saving Trust states that you can reduce your CO2 emissions by 10%. If every member of Highland Council staff reduced their business travel emissions by 10% we would reduce our CO2 emissions by 437 tonnes a year!
The following are 10 practical eco driving steps which can help you reduce the amount of fuel your vehicle uses. This in turn can save you money and reduces the amount of CO2 your car produces.
The Energy Saving Trust's top ten tips are:
- Check your revs - change up before 2,500 rpm (petrol) and 2,000rpm (diesel).
- Anticipate road conditions and drive smoothly, avoiding sharp acceleration and heavy braking. This saves fuel and reduces accident rates.
- Use air conditioning sparingly as it significantly increases fuel consumption.
- The most efficient speed depends upon the car in question but is typically around 55 - 65mph. Faster speed will greatly increase your fuel consumption.
- Drive away immediately when starting from cold - idling to heat the engine wastes fuel and causes rapid engine wear.
- Accessories such as roof racks, bike carriers, and roof boxes significantly affect your car's aerodynamics and reduce fuel efficiency, so remember to remove them when not in use.
- Avoid short journeys - a cold engine uses almost twice as much fuel and catalytic converters can take five miles to become effective.
- Plan your journeys to avoid congestion, road works and getting lost.
- Check your tyre pressure regularly - under-inflated tyres are dangerous and can increase fuel consumption by up to 3 per cent.
- If you're stuck in a jam, switch the engine off if you expect to be there for more than a minute or two. Cutting the engine will save fuel and reduce emissions.
The Scottish Government has funded the Energy Saving Trust to help people live low carbon lifestyles and cut carbon dioxide emissions by 42% by 2020. A network of five advice centres across Scotland deliver free, impartial, expert advice on sustainable transport, energy efficiency, renewable energy and micro-generation.
The Transport Advice Specialist for Highlands and Islands is Gregor Yule based in Inverness. Gregor can give advice on eco driving and lower emission vehicles.
gregor.yule@hi.energysavingscotland.org.uk
Freephone: 0800 512 012