This story first appeared in the May issue of DieselTalk – CLICK HERE to download the magazine FREE
The heavy vehicle sector is the second largest source of fuel demand after light vehicles, and has a high rate of fuel consumption per vehicle. The combined fuel burn of road transport (light and heavy vehicles) is responsible for more than 40% of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions.
That’s why the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) launched its Heavy Vehicle Fuel Efficiency Programme in 2012.
It takes leadership and drive for a freight (or bus) company to implement the programme, and fully embed it into a business, particularly in an industry characterised by low profit margins, a shortage of drivers, and very time-poor business managers.
Those companies who have committed to EECA’s programme, and continued to adhere to the principles, have not only saved fuel and subsequently reduced their carbon emissions, but have also improved staff morale, improved safety, and reduced their repairs and maintenance bill.
However, the programme overall has not experienced the level of uptake from industry we had hoped and therefore has not delivered the fuel and emissions reductions envisaged.
This has been exacerbated by the low fuel price over the last eighteen months which has affected uptake by companies focused on the bottom line saving.
As a consequence, we are taking a fresh look at our approach to the heavy vehicle sector as we strive for a fuel efficient, safe and lower carbon transport sector, while still supporting participants already committed to the programme through to June 2017.
The review will look to international best practice, as well as using industry representatives to find a solution that suits the New Zealand heavy vehicle industry.
We are confident that there is a place for encouraging fuel efficiency in the heavy vehicle sector.
The issue of climate change, and the carbon dioxide emissions that cause it, is becoming a strategic concern for many of New Zealand’s large businesses.
This means they are increasingly looking for a sustainable supply chain, and fuel efficient companies will be well placed to deliver to this increasing demand.
So, this review is about moving forward. The freight task is predicted to increase, as is the use of public transport, and there will be increasing pressure to reduce emissions in both sectors.
Biodiesel blends will be coming on stream for some, but the majority of the fleet will be totally dependent on (mineral) diesel for some time.
We are headed for a future where freight operators need to look at how they reduce their impact on the environment, not only because of how much money they can save, but because their customers and the public at large demand it of them.
EECA wants to support the industry by working together to develop an approach that meets the future expectations that we anticipate being placed on heavy transport providers.
