Mike Waters’ Blog: 27 July 2007

Green agenda must start from the top

It’s impossible to escape the green agenda at the moment. Open a magazine, turn on a TV or radio and climate change dominates the headlines. Fleet managers are responding in a clamour to green their fleets and prove they have what it takes when it comes to environmental credentials.

A few years ago the size, make and model of a company vehicle was a measure of success, now it’s drivers with the lowest CO2 emissions that are being applauded.

I learned recently that Justin King; chief Exec at Sainsbury’s has traded in his luxury high-powered vehicle for an all new eco-friendlier option. Wanting to be seen to lead the company line, King has taken delivery of a Lexus hybrid. King is well aware that if he wants his customers and employees to tackle climate change he has to be seen to be taking a front line approach. Other senior executives have also been following in King’s footsteps, for example Stuart Rose, chief Exec at Marks and Spencer has opted to test the new ‘greener’ BMW 7-series. After all, it’s no good championing your firm’s policy for procuring local produce if all the good work is undone by driving around in a gas-guzzler.

While the more cynical among us might dismiss their actions as nothing more than a PR stunt, I believe they underline an important shift in behaviour that others must follow if CO2 is to be reduced in fleets. If a company really wants to implement a policy change to limit emissions from vehicles, this must be done at all levels, from the top down. Company directors must look at their own vehicle choice and be seen to lead from the front if they’re serious about tackling climate change in their business operations.

I for one would certainly welcome moves from directors and CEOs to choose more environmentally friendly cars. This need not mean giving up the luxury and kudos that so often goes with the company vehicle, particularly at director level, but does call for more careful consideration. Many of the manufacturers, for example, are making significant steps in vehicle efficiency and reducing CO2 outputs whilst striving to maintain performance and luxury benchmarks.

Setting the standard from the top down is an important step in reducing fleet emissions. If the right example is set, the door is then open to take additional measures that counter emissions including more accurate mapping of fuel use using fuel cards and influencing driver behaviour. On the face, it wouldn’t do any harm for CEOs to start leading from this position.

So, next time you overtake a Lexus sitting at 50mph on the motorway, give them a wave, it might just be Justin King.

Until next time,

Mike