Fleet management and services company PHH Arval has completed their 2010 Green Survey and found that only 49% of fleet managers are measuring fleet emissions.  While the number is relatively dismal, being not even half of all fleets, it is encouraging when compared to past years.  In 2008, the PHH survey found only 28% of fleets were monitoring their emissions.

Although monitoring is low, other environmental concerns remain high.  75% of fleet managers consider environmental issues to be of high concern.  This despite the economic climate that has been dampening many fleets.  This number has remained the same since 2007 when the first survey was taken.

With the high interest in environmental issues, cost-savings has been an issue and remains so.  The largest barrier to many “green” initiatives for fleets remains cost concerns, with 42% saying they are a significant problem.  29% say that emissions reduction initiatives have paid off not only in lower fleet emissions, but also in cost-savings, however.

The number one focus for fleet savings and emissions reductions have been driver behavior.  74% of fleet managers are enlisting drivers’ help to achieve fleet-wide environmental goals.

Emerging technologies, such as diesel electric hybrid trucks and alternative fuels, still remain low on the scale with most fleet managers.  These relatively untested technologies were not high on the list of planned current or near-term use.

Overall, the survey is somewhat encouraging since it shows that most fleet managers are keenly aware of environmental issues.  It appears that the potential cost-savings and other benefits beyond the esoteric “clean air” ideal need to be emphasized, however.  Many fleet managers are obviously not aware of the economic benefits that can be had by going green.

Hopefully as emerging technologies become more and more common as offerings from trusted manufacturers and partners, more fleets will see them as a viable alternative to the more polluting status quo.

Related posts:

1. New Truck Emissions Standards Incite Controversy
2. Who Benefits From Powertrain Electrification?