MAJOR PROJECTS
industry ’ s commitment to long-term environmental responsibility and the findings did offer cause for optimism .
75 percent of the 149 construction companies surveyed said they now operate a low carbon or carbon reduction strategy , with 58 percent regularly monitoring and measuring their carbon footprint . This commitment to the green agenda is boosted by client demands – 51 percent of construction operators claimed their clients require them to record and act on carbon emissions as project performance indicators .
The fleet operation has been identified as a key focus for CO2 reduction ; 68 percent of companies we spoke to have systems and processes in place to reduce fuel consumption across their vehicle fleet and , of these , only 23 percent use a telematics system to do so . Fleet operations are a major source of CO2 emissions but the data provided by technology such as telematics can allow companies to pinpoint trends and tackle the root causes of fuel wastage .
52 percent of respondents cited road traffic congestion as the biggest cause of unnecessary fuel consumption , followed by vehicle idling and inefficient routing , both at 11 percent . Five percent named vehicle speeding as their biggest drain on fuel wastage , while unauthorised vehicle usage was cited by a further five percent .
But while performance efficiency is clearly crucial , old habits can die hard . Nevertheless , initiating meaningful change can prove a straightforward process if approached in a structured fashion .
Technology for effective fleet and route planning to minimise wasted mileage can be introduced swiftly with minimal business disruption . Smart navigation , incorporating live traffic information , can help drivers avoid congestion , slashing their journey times and their carbon footprint .
Involving and empowering drivers Change does not need to scare employees , even when it involves monitoring driving standards .
When implementing a performance programme , it is important to involve drivers in discussions from the outset , involving union representation if appropriate . This gives them the chance to ask questions , raise any concerns , and to start a two-way dialogue that
8 July 2016