Codema is working with Dublin City Council on an eco-driving awareness campaign that encourages its drivers to reduce their carbon footprint by at least 3 per cent.
This campaign aims to tackle bad driving habits that can lead to unnecessary fuel wastage. It also hopes to demonstrate how eco-driving can not only save on cost but can help to save the environment as well!
For example, a 3 per cent reduction will save €91,000 in fuel costs, which is the equivalent to saving 280 tonnes of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide.
This campaign comes under the MINUS 3% Project, which aims to reduce Dublin City Council's energy consumption by 3 per cent every year, with an overall target of 33 per cent by 2020. It also complements the principles of the ongoing Switch Off campaign, which has already observed savings of 13 per cent in Civic Offices.
Dublin City Council has more than 900 vehicles on the streets of Dublin every day. Nearly all of these vehicles are diesel engines which create a lot of carbon emissions. However, Codema is working with Fleet Management Services to promote good driving habits that incorporate smooth and safe driving techniques which help to reduce these emissions, while also delivering benefits in terms of road safety and savings in fuel consumption.
A series of posters to support the campaign have been put up in all Dublin City Council depots and include the following advice for drivers:
- Only carry the equipment that you need with you. An extra 100 pounds or 45 kilos can reduce your fuel economy by up to two per cent.
- Check your tyre pressure. Under-inflated tyres mean that you will use more fuel and tyres will also wear more quickly.
- Turn that engine off if you are loading your vehicle or waiting for somebody to arrive. When an engine is idling, it is using fuel but not going anywhere.
- Plan your trips and study the route you are taking.
- Avoid unnecessary rapid accelerations and hard braking.
Dublin City Council is also running Occupational Driving Courses for all its drivers which include these principles of eco-friendly driving.
Eco-Driving Awareness Campaign: Codema
