Fleets urged to rethink CO2 caps

CLM is urging fleets to set CO2 emissions caps at 140g/km, rather than 160g/km, in anticipation of future changes to the Capital Allowance threshold.

A Fleet News environmental survey in August 2009 found that 63% of fleets have introduced CO2 caps on their choice lists, with 65% of those favouring the 160g/km cap.

“By making the right vehicle choice now, fleet decision makers can make cost savings running into several thousand pounds over the typical three year life of a vehicle,” said Rob Wentworth James, head of sales and marketing at CLM.

ACFO chairman Julie Jenner added: “I know of quite a few companies that already have caps at 140g/km whilst others have started out at 160g/km with an agreed timetable of reduction.

“However, as cars continue to emerge with ever-reducing CO2 emissions I suspect that many of these targets will be reviewed as they may be reached or even exceeded in advance of the set dates.”

Warbutons has a five-band policy which starts at 140g/km, although the highest management grade is limited at 200g/km.

Adidas has four bands on its all-diesel fleet, rising from 130g/km in increments of 10g/km to 160g/km. Its policy is driven by company directors – crucial to its success, according to Adidas head of facilities Barry O’Connor.

“We pay significant incentives to downgrade – the whole culture of the company has changed,” he said.

Both companies have seen their CO2 emissions fall dramatically as a result of implementing a capping policy.

The Environment Agency was an early adopter of CO2 capping, introducing its restrictions in April 2007.

The policy has brought down average CO2 on cars to around 136g/km, well on the way to meeting the Government’s 2011 target for public sector bodies of 130g/km.

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