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Case Study
Leading by example
Government Office learned how to drive smarter
The Challenge
Staff at the Government Office East Midlands (GOEM) have been working together to improve their green credentials. As Government representatives in the area, they feel that it is their duty to lead by example to reduce carbon emissions in the region.
Ian Porteous, Policy Officer for Climate Change and Waste, got in touch with the Energy Saving Trust to discuss what more could be done to reduce GOEM's impact on the environment and to help save money on fuel bills for the organisation and its staff.
The Benefits
It was decided that the best way the Energy Saving Trust could help GOEM to achieve their goal was to put them through a course of Smarter Driving lessons.
One hundred members of staff agreed to receive lessons on how to reduce fuel consumption when driving. Changing gear at 2,500 revs, reading the road ahead, and keeping up momentum were just a few of the fuel saving tips given to the drivers to reduce emissions and save money.
In addition, each was directed to the Energy Saving Trust website, where they could learn more about sustainable transport, including cycling to work and fuel efficient cars.
Smarter Driving also attracted the attention of the press in both Nottingham and Derby, who covered the story in the hope that others would read about GOEM's experience and realise that all drivers can do something to save fuel, and that it doesn't increase the duration of the journey.
The Solution
After being put through their paces on the Smarter Driving lessons, GOEM staff managed to reduce their fuel consumption by an average of 12.4%, which will cumulatively save them almost £14,000 a year.
The CO2 savings resulting from this fuel reduction will be over 28 tonnes every year, which is the equivalent to taking 9 cars permanently off the road.
GOEM Staff were extremely pleased with the results and intend to keep up all that they have learnt. John Proud, Exports Executive, said: "I'm really pleased to learn these techniques because I do want to cut costs, but I want to reduce my carbon emissions as well."
Ian Porteous also commented: "We wanted to reduce our CO2 emissions and increase our fuel efficiency. It has been a very positive experience for everyone."
Smarter Driving lessons are a part of the Energy Saving Trust Transport programme and are available to businesses and community groups. All those given advice will save money on their fuel bills and reduce their emissions if they implement the guidance given.
