How Fleet Tracking Technology is Helping the Environment

The need to take decisive action on environmental issues continues to grow year after year. Not only does the spectre of climate change loom ever larger on the horizon, but air pollution is also becoming an alarming problem in many of the world’s major cities. A 2012 report identified vehicle emissions as the largest contributor to poor air quality in Auckland City, and linked emissions to 256 premature deaths annually.

The effects on both the environment and human health are particularly felt in areas with increased congestion rates. It is now all the more important to find ways of using new technologies to reduce our impact on the environment. GPS fleet tracking systems have significantly helped reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions – simply with the help of a few key features.

Enhanced Route Planning

One of the key ways in which GPS fleet tracking is assisting with these improvements is by allowing for more accurate and responsive route planning through the use of real-time location data. This makes it easier for fleet managers to determine the optimal route from base to destination. In addition, it gives them the capability to alter the chosen route as circumstances change. This helps to reduce the amount of time fleet vehicles spend stuck in traffic with their engine idling.

Improved Driver Behaviour

Another way in which GPS fleet tracking helps reduce fuel consumption and enhance efficiency is by monitoring driver conduct behind the wheel. Fleet tracking data provides fleet managers with an in-depth insight into the way drivers behave on the road, flagging up a range of dangerous actions including sudden braking, rash cornering, breaches of the speed limit and tailgating – all of which result in wasted fuel.

By stopping these behaviours as and when they occur, fleet managers are better-equipped to develop training programmes tailored to the shortcomings of individual drivers. This not only helps to improve road safety, but also ensures the vehicles perform more efficiently, for longer.

Reduced Engine Idling

Idling engines are one of the biggest wastes of fuel. Seventy six percent of the New Zealand population live on the North Island with one in three Kiwis residing in Auckland. This causes increased road congestion, leading to idling engines and ignitions being left on when vehicles are stationary and stuck in traffic.

Fleet tracking software provides alerts and reports that enable managers to identify and reduce instances of idling, ultimately cutting fuel costs and CO2 output. Engine idling is also a performance metric that fleet tracking systems incorporate into driver behaviour reports, allowing managers to stay updated.

CO2 Monitoring

GPS fleet tracking technology has also delivered major improvements in CO2 monitoring. Fleet tracking systems provide managers with useful data relating to both fuel consumption and carbon emissions, in addition to location tracking and driver performance data which allows for improved vehicle utilisation.

Apex Insurance uses Teletrac Navman’s fleet tracking to improve its sustainability. “Teletrac Navman gives us data that enable us to minimise our carbon footprint,” said James McGhie, Managing Director, Apex Insurance. “As a carboNZeroCert™ certified organisation, we are constantly looking for ways of understanding our costs which contribute to our carbon footprint. Our fleet is one of our largest expenses so it is important we can minimise wastage, which improves profit, is better for the environment, and means a sustainable long-term future for our business.”

With the right GPS tracking and fleet monitoring, it is easy to save costs and reduce environmental impact. It’s a win-win.