Ninety-two UK fleets were surveyed, with the results proving encouraging. Three-in-five (61%) have put formalised sustainability objectives in place, while a further 27% expect to do so within the next 12 months. 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. Comparatively, 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%).
When asked what was preventing them from adopting even more sustainable solutions, respondents cited the cost (52%) and complexity (36%) of some solutions as the most significant challenges. Three-quarters (75%) 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.
