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A small step for small businesses, a big step for the environment - how to set sustainable development goals?

Written by Luca Farkas | 2023.04.19. 7:30

Our research shows that small and medium-sized enterprises with fleets have a demand for reducing harmful emissions: currently, 20% of small businesses in Central and Eastern Europe have committed to greener solutions. This is especially important as operating vehicles emits significant amounts of greenhouse gases that have negative impacts on climate change. In this article, we mention methods that even smaller participants with fleet vehicles can incorporate into their daily routines. 

Less fuel - less pollution 

Reducing fuel consumption is one of the most important goals, as operating vehicles emits significant amounts of greenhouse gases. Companies should aim to reduce the fuel consumption of their vehicles as much as possible. This requires regular maintenance of vehicles and ensuring proper tire pressure. Fuel-efficient driving techniques, such as adhering to speed limits and avoiding idling, can also contribute to reducing fuel consumption. 

From traditional to alternative 

The use of alternative fuels provides an opportunity to reduce the use of fossil fuels and, therefore, greenhouse gas emissions. While most companies with fleets cannot afford this, electric cars and hydrogen-powered vehicles are still more environmentally friendly than traditional petrol and diesel cars. Alternative fuels, such as electricity, hydrogen, ethanol, or biogas, allow vehicles to operate while emitting significantly less carbon dioxide than traditional fuels. It should be noted, however, that using such vehicles is not always a solution, as charging electric cars and filling up hydrogen-powered vehicles with hydrogen still offers limited opportunities. 

Maintenance and repair 

Well-maintained and efficiently operating vehicles use less fuel, resulting in lower carbon dioxide emissions. Regularly checked and properly functioning engines work more efficiently and consume less fuel. Additionally, maintenance and repair can extend the lifespan of vehicles, contributing to sustainability in the long term. 

Smarter logistics for greater efficiency 

The goal of green logistics is to make transportation and traffic processes more environmentally friendly. Similar to carpooling in everyday transportation, green logistics can have a positive impact on a company's ecological footprint. Green logistics solutions include optimizing routes, minimizing empty runs, and utilizing combined transportation. 

Finally, optimized operations through management systems 

Telematics systems allow drivers and fleet managers to efficiently monitor fuel consumption, operating times, driving style, and maintenance needs. This enables companies to optimize vehicle usage and reduce unnecessary operating costs and carbon dioxide emissions. 

Setting sustainability goals and taking steps to achieve them not only benefits a company's long-term interests but also serves environmental protection. One of urbaniqe's main innovations is the ability to provide environmentally friendly solutions through a fleet management mobile application running in the background. Using artificial intelligence, your drivers' driving styles are continuously analyzed based on horizontal and vertical acceleration and traffic speed, for example. Through data, we provide fleet managers with advice to more effectively and sustainably manage their vehicles.