By Mark Forrest, general manager, Trimble Field Service Management

Improving sustainability and delivering on the green agenda is a priority for the government, public sector organisations and businesses large and small, so it is no surprise that service departments are being asked to play their part.

For businesses that run a mobile workforce, reducing fuel use and therefore emissions can be a crucial step to a greener future and a place where a significant impact can be made in a reasonably short timeframe.

Recognising where emissions, primarily carbon dioxide (CO₂), can be minimised then taking action will allow businesses to make a tangible step towards environmental improvement.

Trimble recently carried out an independent study amongst directors and senior managers operating large field-based work forces in the UK and found that rising fuel prices are seen as the number one concern in meeting field service priorities whilst increased legislation is also accelerating the move to green.

64% of respondents felt that sustainability will have a significant effect on their business moving forward and, as a result, many are actively seeking out technologies that have a positive environmental impact, to help meet sustainability targets.

The sustainability challenge

Today, approximately 280 million commercial fleet vehicles operate worldwide and are responsible for 5.75% of total worldwide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, pumping 1.6 billion metric tons of CO₂ into the atmosphere per year.

This number of commercial fleets is expected to rise to 400 million by the year 2020.

Fleet management and telematics technology has come to the fore as solutions able to tackle the global emissions challenge and move the needle back in the correct direction.

Businesses are able to optimise schedules and route planning, helping to reduce unnecessary mileage and improve fuel efficiency and driver proficiency.

By enabling companies to monitor fuel consumption, miles per gallon and CO2 outputs, the technology can ultimately help to reduce fuel use and improve a company’s carbon footprint.

Monitor and reduce fuel consumption

Rising fuel prices are a global headache and were seen as the number one concern in meeting field service priorities, for the respondents of Trimble’s independent research report: ‘The Road Ahead: The future of field service delivery’.

Fuel prices are beyond the control of fleet managers; however consumption is not.

When looking to develop green credentials, monitoring and reducing fuel consumption through better insight in to vehicle usage can lead to significant decreases in C_O2 emissions and is a quickly achievable method of reaching environmentally friendly targets.