Transporting NZ launches fleet emissions reduction tool

Transporting New Zealand has launched an online Green Fleet Self-Assessment Tool to help freight operators cut emissions, unveiling it at a Road Freight Decarbonisation Update in Auckland.

The free tool, now live on Transporting New Zealand’s website, outlines practical steps across fuel-efficient driver training and technologies, vehicle procurement standards, route planning, carbon reporting and target-setting to help businesses and their customers meet sustainability goals.

“This tool allows businesses to identify what progress they’ve already made and what steps to take next,” chief executive Dom Kalasih says.

“We know that freight customers are increasingly aware of the emissions impact of transport and that all areas of the supply chain have a responsibility to make a difference. It’s great that there are already many innovative operators taking huge strides in this area and paving the way for others.”

The initiative was launched at a road freight decarbonisation update held at TR Group’s Auckland premises on October 24. Attendees heard updates on Low Emission Freight Certification and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority’s Low Emissions Heavy Vehicle Fund. MPs at the event included Labour’s Deborah Russell, National’s Dan Bidois, the Greens’ Julie Anne Genter and ACT’s Cameron Luxton.

TR Group, New Zealand’s largest heavy commercial rental and lease company, now operates 60 zero-emission heavy vehicles. The company says a mix of low- and zero-emission vehicles, preventative maintenance, retread tyres and recycled materials has prevented more than 1.2 million kilograms of CO2 from being emitted.

“At TR Group we’ve learned first-hand that lowering emissions requires equal parts commitment, collaboration and innovation,” managing director Andrew Carpenter says.

“We’re pleased to share what we’ve learned from operating one of the country’s largest zero-emission heavy-vehicle fleets and to support the launch of a tool that helps operators make informed, realistic decisions on their own decarbonisation pathway.”

Transporting New Zealand has also released a short explainer video produced with member KAM Transport, the first company of its kind to achieve Toitū Enviromark Gold certification through measures such as fuel-efficient driver training, route optimisation and backloading.

“In many cases reducing emissions goes hand in hand with reducing fuel costs. It’s a win-win situation,” Kalasih says.

“We hope that operators use this tool and share any useful information they get out of it with their staff, drivers, and with their customers.”

The Green Fleet Self-Assessment Tool is available now at transporting.nz.