Eco-driving is a driving style that helps the environment and combats climate change by reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Eco-driving applies not just the drivers of City owned cars and trucks, but also to the operation of a wide range of plant and equipment, both large and small.
Driving skills, techniques and behaviours can make a substantial difference to the amount of fuel used for a journey and can extend to a wider range of benefits:

  • Eco-driving can contribute significantly to reduced fuel consumption and costs for the individual and their organisation.
  • Eco-aware drivers use 10 to 15 per cent less fuel than drivers without eco-driving skills and behaviours.
  • Eco-drivers facilitate smoother traffic flows, with less stop-start angst and aggression.
  • Eco-driving leads to reduced noise pollution.
  • Eco-drivers produce a more comfortable, efficient, and economic ride.
  • Eco-drivers reduce wear, tear and the need for repairs, so fewer resources are needed to replace environmentally costly components such as brakes, lubricants and tyres.
  • Eco-drivers retain a greater understanding of their responsibilities to other road users and to the environment for a long period after training

 

Principles

The key principles of eco-driving include: 
  • Smoothness; 
  • Efficient use of momentum; 
  • Anticipation and prediction;  
  • Planning; and 
  • Optimising low-emission technologies.

Objectives

The key objectives of this eco-driving strategy are to:
  1. Increase awareness of eco-driving and its benefits.
  2. Embed a culture of low-emission driving behaviour.
  3. Improve low-emission driving skills and techniques.
  4. Produce a minimal carbon footprint.

 Strategic context

The Strategy and Assets Group delivers a range of physical and business services through its annual Business Plan.  That plan links upward through the corporate Operations Plan to deliver the Sustainable Sydney 2030 program.  Fleet Services operates as a section of the Strategy and Assets Group with its key strategic driver as the Fleet Management Strategy.

One stream of the Fleet Management Strategy 2014-2016, monitors and assesses the viability of new fuels and vehicle technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It includes clear plans to transition from using traditional non-renewable energy sources to more sustainable options. Many of these physical solutions for reduced emissions have now been exhausted and will remain static until new products and technologies become available in Australia.

The Fleet Management Strategy therefore recognises that working with the City’s drivers on improved driving behaviours and skills to further reduce emissions is important.

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