PHH Arval's annual industry-wide survey of public and private sector fleet managers shows that more fleets are measuring emissions while considering cost to be a continuing concern.
The survey was designed to gauge fleet managers' insights into environmental issues, how fleets are implementing solutions that would reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and more. For the second year in a row, the survey was distributed via the web and included responses from a wide variety of fleet managers.
The results from the 2010 study shows that almost half of all fleets (49%) are measuring emissions. In 2008, only slightly more than a quarter of all fleets (28%) were measuring their emissions. Despite the economic climate, there is continued interest in environmental issues. 75% of respondents report they had been asked about the environmental impact of their fleets in the last year. This compares to 74% in 2009. 68% of respondents say they have an environmental goal for their fleets, up slightly from last year.
In addition, the economic climate accelerated progress for some respondents and slowed it for others. 28% say the economy accelerated their programs (compared to 21% last year), and 20% say it slowed their plans (compared to 9% last year).
Cost continues to be a concern. Although the number of people that identify cost as a barrier to greening their fleets has fallen slightly each year, it continues to be significant at 42% (down from 46% in 2008). 29% of respondents have been finding cost savings as they reduce emissions. This is slightly up from last year (25%).
Fleets are also focusing on driver behavior as a key way to reduce emissions. Results show that 74% of fleet managers are reaching out to drivers to enlist their help with fleet environmental goals. Fleets are also cautious in adopting new or emerging alternative fuels. The study asked respondents about their current use and potential near-term use for a variety of fuel types including electric, diesel and compressed natural gas. Conventional gasoline hybrids had the most acceptance, with every other technology trailing significantly.
For more details about these and other findings, request the full report here.
