Travel Energy Efficiency

In the UK, transport contributes 25% to the annual carbon  emissions. In addition, the number of cars in the UK continue to rise, which has dramatically added to the problems of congestion and pollution.

In order to create a healthier environment with cleaner air and less congested roads we need to consider our travel options carefully and where possible reduce our use of cars.

Advice on what you can do to cut your travel emissions

Suggested Actions to do your bit in the fight against Climate Change

1. Walk to school/ work instead of using the car, if this takes too long try to walk one or two days a week instead, it's a start.
2. Use public transport as much as possible.
3. Lift share - if you make that little extra effort you can save money and cut your CO2 emissions. Talk to your work colleges, neighbours and your children’s friends’ parents to co-ordinate lift sharing.
   
   Click here for the Essex Car Share website
4. When you have to take the car drive eco-friendly - accelerate and break slowly and do not drive faster then the speed limit, by driving smart you can cut your CO2 emissions by 10% and this can save you up to 10% on your fuel bills.
5. Ensure that you have the right air pressure in the tyres as this effects the fuel consumption and thus the emissions too. Do not drive around with unnecessary weight in your car as this will increase your fuel bill.
   
   Click here for the ETA (Environmental Transport Association) website
6. Switch to biodiesel or bioethanol - all cars can take a 5% concentration of biofuels without having to do any changes. If you want to get a higher percentage it is easy and relatively cheap to do the changes that are needed to the engine.
   
   Click here for the BABFO (British Association for Bio Fuels and Oils) website
7. Thinking of buying a new car? Choose a car with low fuel consumption as it will save you money every time you drive it (in addition changing your car from one that uses 0.9 litre per 10 km to a car that only uses 0.7 litre per 10 km can reduce the emission by one ton of carbon dioxide per year!)
   
   To find out how green a car is, click here for the Green Car Guide website
8. Think before you fly. The Man in Seat Sixty-One ... website will tell you how to travel overland comfortably and affordably where you might think that air was now the only option.
   
   Click here to go to The Man in Seat Sixty-One ... website
   
   When flying is unavoidable you can offset your carbon emissions on Climate Care or other similar organisations' web sites.
   
   Click here for the Climate Care website

Sustrans is a sustainable transport charity that works on practical projects to encourage people to walk, cycle and use public transport. It works on practical, innovative ways of dealing with the transport challenges that affect us all.

For more information click here to go to sustrans website

Do you really need access to a car everyday?

To be part of a carpool or rent a car for long journeys can be an alternative for many.

Below is a list of the best rated environmentally friendly cars:

1. Honda Civic 1.4 IMA Executive
2. Toyota Prius 1.5 VVT-i-hybrid
3. Citroen C1 1.0i
4. Toyota Yaris 1.0 VVT-i
5. Daihatsu New Sirion M300 1.0L Efi
6. Suzuki Swift 1.3 GLZ 3 door DdiS
7. Vauxhall Corsa 1.3CDTi 16v SXI 5 Door
8. Peugeot 107 1.0 (65 bhp)
9. Toyota Aygo 1.0 VVT-i 3 5-door
10. Ford Fiesta 1.4 Duratorq TDCi

For more environmentally friendly vehicles, click here to go to the ETA Green Car Guide.