Benchmarking performance with peers is important for all areas of business, and fleet emissions are no exception. To help corporate fleets with this important task, EDF recently surveyed the largest 300 fleets in the U.S. and members of the Automotive Fleet & Leasing Association. The results of the survey were released today and are available on the EDF website (PDF).
Our overall project objective was to better understand the range of fleet performances along two key indicators: kilograms of greenhouse gases emitted per mile traveled (kg ghgs/mile) and the fleet average per vehicle emissions of greenhouse gases (in metric tons -- mt ghgs vehicle/year). These two metrics, along with the total fleet emissions of greenhouse gases, are an effective way to track fleet environmental performance.
Certainly, the total amount of greenhouse gas emitted is the most important data point. Fleets that seek to lessen their environmental impact need to be reducing their emissions on an absolute basis. The other two indexed metrics tell fleets how well they are improving their efficiency, given changes in fleet size and operations. Kilogram GHG/mile tracks both the efficiency of the vehicles in the fleet, and other factors such as excessive idling. Metric tons GHGs/ vehicle tracks the efficiency and use patterns, such as miles traveled.
Of the 18 fleets that provided us with the data needed to analyze their emissions, along these two metrics, we did see a range of performance. Average emissions varied from over 6 metric tons GHG/ vehicle to over 18 metric tons. Emissions per mile ranged from just under .3 kg ghg to over 1. The function of the fleet explained most of these differences. However, we did notice a difference in performance between those who currently measure their emissions (.47 kg ghg/ mile) and those who do not (.75 kg ghg/mile). We asked participants to provide fuel consumption data in order for us to calculate emissions using the EDF-NAFA fleet emissions calculator.
The small and diverse sample of respondents cautioned us against drawing any conclusions from this survey. Still, it was a worthwhile exercise to help some fleets see how they rank on emissions compared to their peers.
To add your organization's fleets to this effort, we've set-up an online form where companies can provide the necessary data. In exchange for this information (which will be kept confidential), we will send you an updated report noting how you compare to peer fleets. We look forward to your contributions.
Jason Mathers is a project manager for EDF's Corporate Partnerships Program where he works with today's leading companies to identify, develop and implement innovative environmental practices that make business sense.
Images courtesy of EDF.