Eco-driving courses are the way forward
"It is not only our responsibility to reduce costs but to also reduce our footprint when we drive."
A vehicle that travels 3 000km per month (at 10l/100km) can save R5 000 each a year. If you multiply this by a fleet of 100 this is a cost saving of almost half a million rand a year. It will be a huge saving on your fleet-management costs. Does this sound appealing?
There are plenty of cost-saving benefits to eco-driving, or economical driving as it is also known. An eco-driving course teaches you how to reduce your petrol consumption by between 15 and 18% in vehicles using between 10 and 9l/100km. Additionally, eco-driving courses include safe driving techniques which reduce the chance of costly and tragic accidents. Eco-drivers become safer drivers on the roads.
Not only large fleet operators will benefit from these courses but even the individual. South Africa has an aging population of vehicles which consume more petrol and also release more carbon emissions.
There is also a large percentage of the driving population who have fallen prey to bad driving habits which could be putting extra strain on one’s pocket. Instead, drivers can learn techniques which can greatly increase their kilometres per litre.
There is a second element to undertaking an eco-driving course. “You will also learn how to drive in an environmentally responsible way. It is not only our responsibility to reduce costs but to also reduce our footprint when we drive,” says the managing director of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert.
According to UrbanEarth, in 2012 each person in South Africa had a carbon footprint of 9,18 tonnes, which is well above the world average of 4,49 tonnes per capita. The projected global average of the future is even lower at 3,8 tonnes. Each person needs to become aware of their carbon footprint and what they can do to reduce their effect on the environment.
There is a useful calculator at www.carbonfootprint.com which you can use to determine your carbon footprint.
Companies are also under a great deal of social pressure to reduce their carbon emissions. “It is essential for companies to employ processes and techniques that prioritise safety, health, environmental and quality (SHEQ) procedures.
“Learning how to eco-drive is another way in which an organisation can ensure their mobile offices meet these demands.”
When you undertake an eco-driving course you will become part of their carbon offset programme. It has partnerships with organisations where it plants trees in another bid to look after the environment. In addition to the practical financial application there is also a nice feel-good aspect to driving this way.
