Company image driving green initiatives

New research suggests company image rather than genuine concern for the environment is the driving force behind initiatives to reduce carbon emissions.

Although almost half of the companies questioned in a recent survey said cost savings were also a major motivating factor with 60% of those surveyed saying image was the main reason for adopting environmental fleet policies.

However, Nigel Underdown, head of transport advice at the Energy Saving Trust, said the findings prove there are corporate as well as environmental benefits to green fleets.

He said the good news is that this shows there is a very strong business case – both in terms of cost and image – for adopting an environmental fleet policy.

The research by a national leasing firm also found that while businesses are writing green initiatives into their fleet policies, many are finding it difficult to turn these initiatives into reality.

It also found that few firms consider changing driver behaviour to cut emissions.

This is despite the UK’s leasing association, the BVRLA, revealing that fleet managers are demanding greener cars and that their drivers cover fewer annual business miles.

According to the BVRLA, British fleets have cut their carbon footprint by three million tonnes over the past three years.