The following is a list of key messages which should be communicated to staff to encourage them to reduce their fuel consumption. This list is illustrative, and none of the figures quoted should be regarded as precise.
Don't use a car if you really don't need to
Do you really need to drive? If you live one or two miles from work or school, why not walk or ride a bike in mild weather? Taking a bus or train is also a fuel-efficient alternative to driving alone. Consider alternating the driving with others whose children attend the same school or activities as your children do. As for commuting to and from work, why not offer to share a ride with another colleague living nearby or a neighbour working close to you?
Drive your car only when necessary. Don't use it for those "around the corner" trips, walk instead. Don't make two trips when one will do. Combine errands into a single trip.
Buy local produce, which wouldn't therefore need to be transported long- distances.
Maintain your car properly
A poorly tuned engine can increase fuel consumption by 15 to more than 50%. By properly maintaining your car and by following the recommended maintenance schedule in your owner's manual, you can maximise fuel efficiency. With a well-tuned engine, you'll also minimise engine wear and tear.
Check your tyre pressure. Rolling friction occurs between the tyre and the road surface and is determined by such factors as the type of tyre and type of road surface. Poor roads or rain and snow can increase fuel consumption by up to 10%. On the other hand correct tyre pressure can save up to 5% in fuel consumption and also lengthen the tyre's life and increase road safety.
Plan your journey
Sitting in traffic will reduce the vehicle’s fuel economy. If possible it is therefore better to plan ahead and avoid travelling at peak times when congestion is likely. Planning a route in advance will also reduce the likelihood of getting lost or travelling further than necessary.
Don't carry unnecessary weight
A loaded roof rack can increase fuel consumption by up to 5%. A rooftop carrier provides additional baggage space and may allow you to meet all your driving needs with a smaller vehicle. However, a loaded rack can increase fuel consumption by as much as 5% in motorway driving. Even the most streamlined empty rack will increase fuel consumption by about 1% when it's not loaded. If the carrier is not permanently affixed to your automobile, remove it when it is not needed.
Be a steady driver
Fuel can be saved by using a steady driving technique where the driver anticipates what is ahead and keeps as constant a speed as possible. In general, a one-unit increase in speed requires a three-unit increase in power consumption. It is therefore beneficial if a driver can avoid high speeds while at the same time maintaining the overall average speed. This can be achieved by anticipating what lies ahead on the road and by selecting the most suitable route.
Restrict your speed
The most fuel-efficient driving speed is 56 miles per hour (DfT estimate). Most cars use about 10% less fuel when driven at 56mph rather than 62mph and a reduction in speed from 68 to 56mph can reduce fuel consumption by 20%. The optimum speed for HGVs is also 56mph and large vehicles can achieve similar savings in fuel consumption by reducing their speed to this level.
Don't idle
No matter how efficient your car, idling consumes fuel. One minute of idling uses up more fuel than restarting your engine. Turn off the ignition if you are waiting.
Use electrics less
Car electrics impose an extra load on the engine, making it work harder and burn more fuel. Air conditioning can increase fuel consumption by up to 10% in stop-go traffic. At motorway speeds, air conditioning increases fuel consumption by 3 to 4%. Flow-through ventilation reduces the need to drive with air conditioning on or with windows open, both of which consume more fuel. A sunroof can reduce the need for air conditioning, but when the roof is open at motorway speeds, wind resistance is increased and greater fuel consumption will result.
