Programme launches to reduce emissions for 1,000 Irish HGVs

A new programme has been launched with the aim of reducing emissions for 1,000 HGVs in Ireland.

‘The Greener HGV Programme’ will see 1,000 fleet vehicles across Ireland fitted with innovative technology which will enable drivers to reduce carbon emissions and save fleet companies approximately 10 per cent of their annual fuel costs.

The programme was launched by 3 Counties Energy Agency (3cea) and Corcra Ltd after securing funding of €1.4m under the Governments Climate Action Fund.

3cea claims its pilot project indicated a potential saving of €17,000 per vehicle over five years based on an investment of €2,800 per vehicle.

A previous trial resulted in savings of 1,766.79 tonnes of CO2, similar to removing 866 cars from our roads for one year.

The participating fleet companies saw an increase in fuel efficiency arising from the reduction in over-revving, harsh braking and engine idling time by the drivers, leading to a significant reduction in energy consumption.

The Greener HGV Programme will run for two years. 3cea says it is coordinating the subsidy grant available for Irish fleet companies to install the innovative technology and providing driver efficiency training.

Data collected from the newly installed tech coupled with the development of a conscious driving culture of HGVs will result in a reduction of the business’s carbon footprint and fuel costs.

Irish fleet companies can apply to this program via www.greenerhgv.ie to avail of a 30 per cent technology software and hardware grant.

Paddy Phelan, CEO of 3cea explained: “Under The Greener HGV Programme the transport sector will reduce fuel consumption and emissions from vehicles by driving smarter and by embracing new technologies.

“The results from our initial test cases show that the benefits and cost savings are clear. Over two years with our partners Corcra, telematic equipment will be installed in over 1,000 HGV vehicles.

“With technology, and training to improve driver efficiency, the scheme is expected to deliver a significant reduction in CO2 and an average of 10 per cent fuel saving for participating fleet companies.”

Smart telematics including tracking, fuel, remote tachograph downloads and compliance software, live footage cameras and driver awareness panels are all part of the technology that will be used to deliver these sustainable measures.

Robert Steele from Corcra commented: “We use the hardware to gather real-time data which allows us to record baseline driver and vehicle information.

“After approximately six weeks, the data is analysed and we arrange the professional driver training and activate the in-cab Driver Awareness Panel, which is a driver aid.

“The new technology with gained knowledge from the driver training helps drivers to achieve more efficient driving and long-term sustainable energy practices.

“Techniques that reduce engine revolutions can have a major impact on the vehicles’ fuel consumption and therefore its CO2 emissions. The project received final approvals in April and to date, we have fitted and commenced baseline data gathering on around 100 HGVs.

“We expect to see increases in miles per gallon and reduction in fuel costs following the professional driver training that we offer.”

Paddy Phelan concluded: “Every fleet vehicle in the country will benefit from this cost and emissions saving exercise. We have funding for 1,000 vehicles and have already fitted 100 HGVs with telematic equipment.

“Any fleet company that is interested in saving fuel and reducing their CO2 emissions needs to act now as we anticipate this scheme will be extremely popular.”