As South Africa marks energy month, drivers should consider how their daily travels add to carbon emissions. In the USA and the UK, the transport sector is responsible for emitting more greenhouse gases than any other sector. Globally, this sector is responsible for emitting a quarter of the world’s CO2 emissions.
The CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, says from these stats it is clear that driving impacts the environment considerably. “Yet, the solution is not simple as most people are unable to stop using their vehicles. Therefore, rather than focus on the mode of transport you use rather determine how to use your vehicle in a way that reduces your carbon footprint.
“Economical or ‘eco’-driving teaches drivers how to drive in a way that not only saves money but reduces the carbon emissions each driver adds to the environment. Most of the skills that make one an eco-driver is learnt through defensive driving. Some of the basic tenets of becoming a better driver makes you an environmentally-conscious driver too.”
This is how you can be an eco-driver:
- Defensive driving helps reduce fuel spend by between 15 and 18%. Less fuel equals less emissions.
- Correct use of brakes reduces fuel consumption, wear-and-tear and therefore unnecessary additions to overflowing landfills.
- Impatient or reckless driving increases carbon emissions as it results in harsh acceleration or braking and speeding. It can reduce kilometres per tank by up to 33%.
- Plan trips to reduce unnecessary driving up and down, speeding because you are late or getting lost.
- Reducing speed from 120km/h to 90km/h can reduce fuel spend by 20%.
- Driving at a consistent speed also reduces consumption because you will brake and accelerate less.
- Idling for more than 10 seconds uses more fuel than restarting your car. Rather switch off and restart if you will be stationary for some time.
Other things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint as a driver:
- Conduct regular maintenance on your car, in particular oil changes and replacing air filters. Simple maintenance can increase mileage per tank by up to 40%.
- Use better quality fuel as the cleaning agents in it reduce fuel consumption and emissions by removing dirt from the engine.
- Check tyre pressure regularly. Underinflated tyres increase fuel consumption.
- If you live near a colleague, carpool to work.
- Next time you purchase a car, pay attention to the CO2 Even a 5-mpg difference in emissions can reduce greenhouse emissions by 1.7 tonnes annually.