Car Energy Saving Tips – 25% of your Carbon emissions*
Our vehicles create direct CO2 emissions when they burn fuel. Through following our tips you can halve the impact of your transport, and save over £1,000 a year.
1. Avoid using the car for short journeys - a cold engine uses almost twice as much fuel and catalytic converters can take five miles to become effective.
2. Anticipate road conditions and drive smoothly, avoiding sharp acceleration and heavy braking. This saves fuel and reduces accident rates.
3. Use air conditioning sparingly as it significantly increases fuel consumption. When in town, or driving under 30mph it is best to wind down your windows and use the air to cool your car down. Over 30mpg this creates too much drag so wind up the windows and try to use your car air vents without additional air-con.
4. Drive at the most efficient speed - this depends upon the car in question but is typically around 55 - 65mph. Use your cars trip computer to keep you updated with your current MRG and stay below the speed limit - faster speed will greatly increase your fuel consumption. A typical driver can save 1 tonne of CO2 and £300.
5. Avoid leaving roof racks, bike carriers, and roof boxes on the car as they significantly affect your car's aerodynamics and reduce fuel efficiency, so remember to remove them when not in use. Save 400kg and £120 a year.
6. Make sure your tires are inflated correctly each week –this is dangerous and can affect your cars performance by 3%. Save 200kg and £60 a year.
7. Don’t leave your car running unnecessarily on your drive. If you're stuck in a jam, switch the engine off if you expect to be there for more than a minute or two. Cutting the engine will save fuel and reduce emissions.
8. Consider converting your car so that it can use liquid petroleum gas (LPG) or Biofuel. These fuels are much less polluting than petrol, and are becoming increasingly available.
9. Give someone a lift to instantly share your emissions. Work, Uni, Night out it really makes sense.
10. Buy a more efficient car (A or B rated – under 120gCO2). These can halve your vehicle emissions, cut your fuel bills, road tax is only £30 ayear and they are even exempt from the congestion charge.
Travel Energy Saving Tips - 10% of your Carbon emissions*
If you think ahead you can lessen the impact of your travel plans.
1. Can you avoid your trip in the first place? Maybe a phone call, video-conference or online research would achieve the same outcome.
2. Is their an alternative way of getting there? For example you can now take a high speed Eurostar to the French Alps and Southern Europe which is much lower in emissions and less stressful than flying.
3. Are you are flying for a specific purpose such as sunshine, good snow or a theme park? Do some research and find if there is an alternative closer to home. It might be even better.
4. Fly with an airline which invests in energy efficient planes.
5. Leave it at home! Only taking the items that you will genuinely need reduces the amount of fuel your aircraft uses - and be more portable. You will also avoid excess baggage charges.
6. Use public transport or cycle when you get to your destination rather than hiring a car.
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