Eroad, in collaboration with EECA (the Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority), has introduced its web-based vehicle emissions calculator tailored for New Zealand fleets. With a shared commitment to a more sustainable future, this partnership aims to empower businesses in their essential journey towards decarbonisation and environmental responsibility.
Eroad’s chief executive officer, Mark Heine says: “The Eroad Emissions Calculator will play an indispensable role in helping New Zealand fleets embark on their decarbonisation journey. By providing the tools for measurement and planning, we aim to encourage and enable the reduction of emissions across the transport sector.”
Transportation currently contributes to a significant 17% of New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions, making it a pivotal sector to address in the fight against climate change. With the New Zealand Government setting ambitious targets of achieving Net Zero Emissions by 2050 and a substantial 50% reduction by 2030, the need for innovative solutions to curb emissions is more pressing than ever.
“The transport sector has a key role to play in meeting New Zealand’s emissions reduction targets. While vehicles over 3.5 tonnes make up 4% of the national fleet, their footprint is outsized – making up 27% of our transport emissions. We need to use all the levers at our disposal to accelerate uptake of low- and zero-emissions vehicles, and we’ve been working with the sector for years, offering support through the Low Emissions Transport Fund and, soon, some new funding options,” says Camilla Cochrane, EECA’s transport manager.
Heine adds, “For New Zealand to realise its net zero targets, all fleets must formulate comprehensive emissions reduction strategies, and that needs accurate measurement and understanding of their current emissions footprint. As the business landscape evolves, sustainability has emerged as a pivotal factor for success. Just as companies balance customer service, costs, and growth, they must now factor in their environmental impact.”
Eroad’s third annual sustainability survey, which gathered insights from over 1200 business decision-makers, revealed a concerning disparity between large and small fleets. Notably, 66% of large fleets have implemented emissions reduction plans and are actively monitoring their emissions. However, smaller businesses with fewer than 300 vehicles lag behind, with 62% lacking net-zero strategies and a staggering 78% not measuring their carbon emissions, making meeting the Net Zero targets incredibly challenging.
Powered by cutting-edge AI technology and informed by data from its vast database of over 200,000 connected vehicles and assets, the calculator provides users with an overview of their fleet’s emissions profile. Additionally, it offers suggestions for emissions reduction, alongside potential savings.
Making the web-based calculator free to access, the aim is to remove one of the main barriers to getting started on that journey – cost. It is available to any business with, or without existing GPS vehicle tracking systems and those utilising telematics services from other providers. Eroad has also this week launched a comprehensive Sustainability Module for existing customers through its fleet management portal, MyEroad. The module is free for the next 12 months and customers can benefit from an array of data, insights, predictions and recommendations based on their connected fleet data.