Europcar "Partnerships" - DOit.television

Cars are the largest contributors to air pollution in the world. Europcar and Greenfleet (GF) recognise that until environmentally friendly cars are produced and made available to the public (e.g. hydrogen fuel cell cars, which is expected in 2020) a way of limiting further carbon emissions and offsetting the amount pollution already existing is crucial in order to prevent further climate change. Planting trees are the only method known that can offset carbon emissions from transport.

With the rising cost of petrol more people are looking for more fuel efficient methods of travel. More than 10% of Australian's have traded in their four-wheel-drive or 6-8 cylinder cars for a more fuel efficient version.

In December 2006
Greenfleet and Europcar joined forces....
- to limit carbon emissions,
- to reduce current greenhouse gas levels,
- to invest in technology that reduces fuel usage (and consequently the amount of carbon emissions),
- and further to support local communities, invest in rural Australia and protect native Australian animals.

Greenfleet is the very first not for profit organization to have been approved by the Federal Government's Greenhouse friendly initiative as an Approved Abatement Provider. This meant it had to pass very strict guidelines which included meeting international standards set out by the International Organization of Standardization (IOS). Since 1997 Greenfleet has planted over 3 million trees to offset carbon emissions.

The not for profit status of the company means Greenfleet is not limited by monetary means, as their only concern is about making environmentally positive business and industrial changes and not for making a profit.

Greenfleet works in conjunction with other organisations and individual landholders to support the preparation and ongoing maintenance of those forests. These forests provide a safe environment for native and endangered animals, that are unaffected by the urban sprawl. In areas near Mount Kosciusko, thinning snow cover as a result of climate change, has been affecting the long-term survival of native animals like the mountain pygmy possum. This is one area in which Europcar is expecting to begin planting trees later this year.

They also contribute by supporting local communities and investing in rural Australia. The plant seeds and labour are contracted from local communities. As well, local knowledge and expertise is sought after in order to understand how to cultivate a healthy forest in that particular area. They knowledge they utilize about specific planet species, soil conditions and the expected growth that these native plants to grown a healthy forest. The land used for the forests are guaranteed as permanent fixtures (this means the trees cannot be harvested). Over time these forests will improve the water quality on this land and aid in reducing the level of salinity and soil erosion in the area.

Europcar with environmental organisation Green Fleet planted 14,000 trees to offset one year's carbon emissions for each new car (836 in total) received in December last year. They committed over $250,000 to offsetting the carbon emissions from their fleet of 6,000. For each car 17 native trees are planted which will neutralize the yearly emissions from that car (based on 4.3 tonnes of CO2 for the average car). Their first tree planting was in December at Somerset Dam, QLD and their next planting is expected to be on great Alpine Road near Mount Kosciusko.

Consumers can check and compare the environmental credentials of car's using the federal government's Green Vehicle Guide. They can pick a car according to the impact it has on the environment. Customers also have the option of hiring environmentally friendly hybrid cars (Hondo Prius) at no additional charge to them. The Prius switches between petrol & electric power (using only 4.7L per 100km); it is very fuel efficient and produces ultra low carbon emissions.

Additional ways to reduce car pollution
- Keep your car well maintained (oil changes, engine tuning). A well maintained car will produce between 9 - 25% less pollution than a poorly maintained vehicle.
- Keep tyres maintained and inflated as this wastes fuel and decreases fuel efficiency.
- Air conditioning uses 10% extra fuel when driving (although if travelling over 80km/h the drag from an open window will actually eat more fuel).
- Avoid unnecessary acceleration, don't ride the clutch and drive in anticipating of traffic changes i.e. slow down when you expect a red light, don't wait and then slam on the breaks.
- Higher speeds use a greater amount of fuel. Cars travelling at 110km/h (on open road) will expend 25% more fuel than if you were travelling at 95km/h.
- Park your car in the shade as the sun heats up the car causing greater fuel evaporation.
- Replace the engine's air filter (get this checked when oil is checked) a clogged filter will mean the engine will have to work harder, using more fuel.

For more information check out these links:
Europcar
Greenfleet
IOS (International Organization for Standardization)
Check and compare environmental credentials of vehicles at this site.
Climate change in Australia
NSW endangered animals

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