5.1 Introduction

5.2 Stretch your legs – get out of the car

Switch short car journeys to alternatives GOLD actions – go for it!

Use long distance public transport GOLD actions – go for it!

Use local public transport PLATINUM actions – do big things!

Want to be care free? Why not go car free? PLATINUM actions – do big things!

Join a car club PLATINUM actions – do big things!

5.3 Efficient driving and maintenance

Minimise use of air conditioning BRONZE actions – quick solutions!

Empty your boot BRONZE actions – quick solutions!

Check your tyre pressure BRONZE actions – quick solutions!

Service your car regularly SILVER actions – stepping it up!

Drive smarter PLATINUM actions – do big things!

Switch to a more efficient car PLATINUM actions – do big things!

Car pool/share PLATINUM actions – do big things!

5.4 Reduce trips and stay connected

Stop taking short haul flights GOLD actions – go for it!

Work from home PLATINUM actions – do big things!

Reduce long haul flights PLATINUM actions – do big things!

Tele/web-conferencing PLATINUM actions – do big things!

Information in this document is from ecoteams site for registered members www.ecoteams.org.uk/

You are advised to check the live web site for more up to date information.   Christine 11/11/10

Session 5 Travel    Suggested links

Get out of the car

Sustrans  http://www.sustrans.org.uk/ Encouraging travel by foot, bike or public transport.

Trainline www.thetrainline.com/buytickets/

National Express www.nationalexpress.com/home.aspx

Megabus http://uk.megabus.com/default.aspx

How to travel by train or ship http://www.seat61.com

Transport Direct info. Plan a journey and live travel  www.transportdirect.info

Traveline Public Transport info   www.traveline.org.uk

Eurostar     http://www.eurostar.com

Car free http://www.carfree.org.uk/ Promotion of carfree living and progressive removal of traffic from neighbourhoods. Providing a forum for people who live without a car.

World Carfree Network http://www.worldcarfree.net/ A clearinghouse of information from around the world on how to revitalise our towns and cities and create a sustainable future.

Car clubs Spares you cost of car ownership without hassle of one-off rental car. Good if need car around town a few times a week. http://www.bbc.co.uk/bloom/actions/carclubs.shtml#quickjump

Car sharing / lift sharing / ride sharing When two or more people share a car and travel together. Find someone travelling your way so you can share your journey – saving money, cutting your carbon footprint and having fun!  https://www.liftshare.com/uk/

Carplus http://www.carplus.org.uk/ Promoting responsible car use and accessible, affordable and low-carbon alternatives. Links to car clubs, car sharing schemes plus a range of resources.

Switch to a more efficient car and reduce CO2 emissions

1 Select manufacturer and model http://actonco2.direct.gov.uk/home/what-you-can-do/On-the-move/Compare-car-CO2-emissions/new-car-co2-emissions-model-search.html

2 Select type of car (small, estate, 4×4); gearbox (manual/automatic); type of fuel (petrol/diesel) http://actonco2.direct.gov.uk/home/what-you-can-do/On-the-move/Compare-car-CO2-emissions/top-10-fuel-efficient-cars.html

3 Car Pages  http://www.carpages.co.uk/co2/ CO2 emissions for all the UK’s major new cars.

Smarter driving Energy Saving Trust – top ten tips http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Travel/Drivers/Smarter-driving

Stay connected using technology

Skype http://www.skype.com/intl/en-gb/home Powwownow http://www.powwownow.com/

Webex carbon calculator to work out your savings  http://www.webex.com/carboncalculator.html

5.1 Introduction

Our travel accounts for around a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions and is the fastest growing sector, with emissions predicted to rise while other areas stabilise or decrease. Source: The Guardian.

Most of us have a car, some of us have two. With 25% of car journeys being less than two miles there is a big potential for changing the way we move, particularly for local journeys.

Walking and cycling more for local journeys is good for our health and well-being, saves on petrol and parking, and is often quicker.  If you need to drive keep your speed down, and your car well maintained and empty of excess baggage, which will reduce carbon emissions. Car-sharing is another good way to reduce emissions.

A few simple ideas to get you started

• walk or cycle the school run – your children will prefer it
• walk to the gym – walking burns as many calories over distance as running
• keep to the speed limit – it’s safer and less polluting
• let the train take the strain for longer journeys

5.2 Stretch your legs – get out of the car

Changing our everyday travel behaviour is one of the easiest but biggest steps towards lower carbon living. Swapping car journeys to foot, bike and public transport could save time, money and CO2, whilst benefiting our health and our communities.

GOLD actions – go for it!

Switch short car journeys to alternatives

A quarter of all car journeys are less than two miles long and driving short distances is less efficient. Think about your weekly trips and even keep a travel diary to identify those trips that are short enough to go by other means.

Walking and cycling are emission free and low cost. Bikes can be bought cheaply (second hand for as little as £30) or rented in many towns. You’re also likely to become fitter, healthier and happier as a result.

The National Cycle Network (Sustrans) and walking and cycling networks are all over the place. Use the Sustrans online mapping tool by entering your postcode to find walking and cycling routes near you. Sustrans website.

If you do drive, combine your trips and set a target to reduce them, or offer lifts to friends and neighbours so you don’t both need to drive.

Swapping one short trip a day saves emissions and helps avoid traffic jams, parking problems or broken meters.

• CO₂ saving per year: 238kg
• Cost saving per year: Depends on number of journeys switched
• Cost to implement: Free

Use long distance public transport

Rail travel is the most efficient way to travel long distances and the best way to cut your transport emissions if you’re a regular UK traveller. The UK has a well-connected rail system, and fares are often cheaper if you book in advance. You can read, work or sleep on the way.

Travelling by train instead of your car for just 200km per month could save more than half a tonne of CO₂ each year - that’s just one round trip between London and Cambridge – so if you replace more journeys, you’ll save more.

• CO₂ saving per year: 348kg
• Cost saving per year: Depends on number of journeys switched and your destination
• Cost to implement: Depends on mode and destination <£200

Trainline website.  National Express website. Megabus website.

Transport Direct info. Plan a journey and live travel  www.transportdirect.info

Traveline Public Transport info   www.traveline.org.uk

PLATINUM actions – do big things!

Use local public transport

Good public transport networks exist in many towns and cities. Where available, bus systems and local train services can provide alternatives to the car. They save the hassle and expense of parking, trains can be fast and bus lanes mean you can beat congestion, often reaching your destination in better time.

It’s a fact that people always under-estimate the time taken to drive somewhere, and over-estimate the time taken by bus. So give it a go and find out for yourself why millions of people choose to travel by bus. Find local bus-stops and more information about destinations and service times by using online mapping tools Sustrans website.

Keep a bus or train timetable at home or consult one online to see if public transport will get you to your destination.

• CO₂ saving per year: 574kg
• Cost saving per year: Depends number of journeys switched
• Cost to implement: £1-4

Why not check your council’s website for information on your local routes?

Want to be care free? Why not go car free?

Next to houses and holidays, we spend more on our car than anything else. Cars depreciate in value and are costly to run and maintain. They take time to clean, fix, tax, insure and MOT.

It may seem a big step to take but if you know about the alternatives and already use your car fairly rarely, it isn’t so drastic. It may even provide more freedom than you expect!

• CO₂ saving per year: 2,830kg
• Cost saving per year: £2,000 (assuming £2,000 for alternate travel arrangements)
• Cost to implement: £20 advertising cost

Carfree website.   World Carfree Network website.

Join a car club

If you use your car a couple of times a week but don’t depend on it, why not join a car club? You can access a vehicle when and where you need to and only pay for what you use – no more worries about road tax, insurance, maintenance or MOT.

Many towns have car clubs and some rural schemes also exist. Most clubs require membership by means of an annual or one-off charge. Hire rates start at around £5 an hour with some offering a quota of free miles. There is usually designated parking in town and you often don’t even have to clean the car!  Car Plus website.   BBC Bloom website.

• CO₂ saving per year: 1,415kg
• Cost saving per year: >£1,000
• Cost to implement: £5 per hour on average (depends on scheme)

5.3 Efficient driving and maintenance

Driving is often the quickest, cheapest and most convenient way to travel, particularly in rural areas. But there are ways to drive and maintain your car to make it more efficient, reduce emissions and save on fuel. One of the best ways is to car-share, not just with one person, but with two or three, and maybe combine with neighbours to do a shopping trip.

BRONZE actions – quick solutions!

Minimise use of air conditioning

Using air conditioning can add between 5% and 25% to your fuel consumption. However, at speeds of over 50 mph, using air conditioning is more efficient than opening windows due to the aerodynamic drag which burns more fuel.

If it’s hotter inside your car than outside at the start of a trip, drive with the windows down for a few minutes to help cool the car before turning on the air conditioning.

• CO₂ saving per year: 28kg
• Cost saving per year: 5-25% reduction
• Cost to implement: Free

Empty your boot

Using your car as a wardrobe, a golf buggy or for any other additional storage may seem harmless, but carrying around the excess weight will cost you more in wasted fuel.

Make sure you only carry what you need on a journey. Remove roof and bike racks when not in use and shut the windows at high speeds (faster than 50mph). These increase air resistance and fuel consumption, in some cases by over 20%.

• CO₂ saving per year: 57kg
• Cost saving per year:
• Cost to implement: Free

Check your tyre pressure

Under-inflated tyres create more resistance when your car is moving, which means your engine has to work harder. Check tyre pressures regularly and before long journeys to increase fuel efficiency and the life of your tyres.  Be sure to check your manual for the correct tyre pressure because over-inflated tyres can be unsafe.

Roll-resistant tyres can significantly increase the efficiency of your vehicle and save around 5% of your fuel bill. Each tyre costs from £60 and will last 25% longer than conventional tyres. Michelin Energy saver tyres.

• CO₂ saving per year: 85kg
• Cost saving per year: £65
• Cost to implement: 20p (to check pressure)

SILVER actions – stepping it up!

Service your car regularly

A regular service according to the manufacturer’s recommendation will ensure that your vehicle isn’t wasting fuel or money. Pay particular attention to the air filter, change the oil and make sure your spark plugs are in good condition.

Always use the recommended grade of motor oil for your car. Using the manufacturer’s recommended lubricant can improve fuel efficiency by 2%. Higher quality motor oils can also help your engine operate more efficiently.

• CO₂ saving per year: 113kg
• Cost saving per year: NA
• Cost to implement: <£100

PLATINUM actions – do big things!

Drive smarter

Smart driving is about conserving momentum to save fuel. Abrupt breaking and accelerating can use up to 30% more fuel and increase wear and tear on the vehicle. Slow down well in advance when approaching a red light and speed up slightly before starting a hill climb.

An idling engine wastes fuel and creates CO₂ emissions. If you’re likely to be at a standstill for more than three minutes, switch off the engine and keep the car in gear.

Move through the gears smoothly and use the gas pedal gently. If you drive a diesel car try changing up a gear before the rev counter reaches 2000rpm. For petrol, change up before it reaches 2500rpm.

Travelling at less than 15mph in low gears is least efficient. As your speed increases up to 60mph your fuel efficiency should improve. It will fall again when you travel over 60mph.

Careful motorway driving will improve safety and traffic flow. Allow plenty of distance from the car in front. If a car pulls out in front of you, ease off the accelerator early and try to avoid braking (whilst maintaining a safe distance). By the time you get close to the car, they will probably have speeded up.

The savings you make depend on the number of miles you drive but the money you save should make it worthwhile. Smarter driving, see Energy Saving Trust website.

• CO₂ saving per year: 651kg
• Cost saving per year: £120
• Cost to implement: Free

Switch to a more efficient car

If you’re buying a new car then choosing a more efficient model is an excellent way to reduce your emissions. You’ll save on fuel costs, and will benefit from lower tax and other financial incentives.

The lowest emitting cars are compact fossil fuel or hybrid/flex-fuel vehicles. If you are planning to buy a new car, choose the most efficient model in its category.

• CO2 saving per year: >1,295kg
• Cost saving per year: Depends on the car you buy and are replacing
• Cost to implement: £7,000+

For more information about the different types of vehicles and fuels available see Vehicles and fuels

Find vehicles with low CO2 emissions (select by vehicle category) Vehicle categories are type of car (small, estate, 4×4 etc); gearbox (manual/automatic); type of fuel (petrol, diesel etc)

Find vehicles with low CO2 emissions (select by car make and model)

Car Pages. List of CO2 emissions for all the UK’s major new cars.

Car pool/share

How many times have you looked at a queue of traffic and noticed that most of the cars contain just the driver? Around 38 million empty seats join the commute every day. Source: Work Wise UK.

By giving someone a lift or sharing a ride you’ll have some company, save money and reduce emissions. You can team up safely and easily with other people by visiting a car sharing website. If every regular driver gave another driver a lift once a week it would reduce the number of cars on the commute by 15% (Source: Office of National Statistics). Lift Share.   BBC Bloom website.

• CO₂ saving per year: 1,415kg
• Cost saving per year: £350
• Cost to implement: Free

5.4 Reduce trips and stay connected

New technology allows us to stay connected from the comfort of our own homes or offices. By reducing our commute or business travel we reduce the amount of time spent in traffic and our emissions, and increase our work efficiency. Similarly, choosing alternatives to flying when taking holidays or business trips can reduce emissions, and allow you to work, be online, and be on the phone as you need.

GOLD actions – go for it!

Stop taking short haul flights

If you’ve got a meeting in Paris, Brussels or another UK city, go by train, (or better still video conference and save time and money). Train is the lowest carbon transport over distance. Flights from London to Paris or Brussels generate ten times more CO₂ emissions than taking the train. Source: Eurostar.

Train travel is often best on time and cost too. For example, a trip from London to Brussels takes around two hours by the Eurostar and can cost as little as £51, and takes you to the heart of a city, not a suburb or different town entirely.  Eurostar website.

An equivalent flight will often cost more and take longer if you factor in travel time to and from the airport and checking in. Travelling by train also allows you to use your laptop and phone. In fact there are many destinations in Europe where taking the train makes much more sense.

• CO₂ saving per year: 342kg
• Cost saving per year:
• Cost to implement: Free

PLATINUM actions – do big things!

Work from home

If you ditch the commute for just one day each week, you’ll save on average 45kg CO₂ per trip, or over 2 tonnes per year. Not only that, but you’ll spend less time in traffic and can even work in your pyjamas! Ask your boss about flexible/remote working.

Whilst you’re at home you will of course use energy and may make trips that you might not have taken if you’d been at work. Regardless, avoiding the commute is likely to significantly contribute to your CO₂ savings, not to mention giving you a day without interruptions to get those important tasks done.

• CO₂ saving per year: 642kg
• Cost saving per year:
• Cost to implement: Free

Reduce long haul flights

By taking just one less transatlantic (or equivalent) return flight each year, you can save over 4 tonnes of CO₂. If you’re worried about missing out on that dream destination, research a little closer to home. You’ll find beautiful places in the UK and nearby Europe, many of which have lovely weather. Increasing numbers are finding what they need a little closer to home whilst saving lots of money and carbon. Travelling worldwide by train or ship, see Man in Seat 61.

• CO₂ saving per year: 4,079kg
• Cost saving per year: Depends on flight and company
• Cost to implement: Free

Tele/web-conferencing

On average, UK workers attend about 90 meetings a year, a third of which could be conducted over the phone or via web-conference. Source: Webex.

Services like Skype, Webex and powwownow allow meetings to be conducted from your desk via video-conferencing or webinar. Some are free or are available at minimal cost.

Some service providers provide calculators to work out the savings from each trip you avoid. Speak to your environment manager about the carbon saving potential and see if they can help you record the carbon savings you’re achieving. Webex carbon calculator to work out your savings.

• CO2 saving per year: 4,079kg (replacing 1 long haul flight), 379kg (replacing 1 short haul flight)
• Cost saving per year: Depends on journeys being substituted
• Cost to implement: Depends on service/provider

END