Greenfleet - Transport

The Issue | Avoid & Reduce | Offset

What's the issue?

Cars have become a fundamental mode of transport in Australia and most households have at least one. But the convenience of cars means that many greenhouse gas emissions are generated unnecessarily.

Every litre of unleaded petrol consumed generates around 2.5kg* of greenhouse gas (measured in CO₂-e or carbon dioxide equivalent), one litre of diesel fuel generates about 2.9kg* CO₂-e and LPG 1.7kg* CO₂-e.
The efficiency of the vehicle (a function of design, engine, weight, etc.) and driving style of the driver determine the fuel consumption and the amount of greenhouse gases released per kilometre, so there are plenty of factors that can be changed to reduce the emissions you create.

The majority of cars on Australia's roads use unleaded petrol and have an average fuel efficiency of 11.1 L of per 100km (ABS Survey of Motor Vehicle Use - released September 2008), converting to a greenhouse gas emission of 275g CO₂-e per km - however the Guinness World Record for fuel efficiency on Australia's roads was set in early 2008 by John & Helen Taylor.

The Taylors achieved a fuel efficiency of 3.13L per 100km (diesel fuel), with emissions of 90g CO₂-e per km - less than one third the national average - and that was achieved over a distance of 14,580km, which is similar to the distance you would drive in one year. The record was achieved in a diesel-fueled Peugeot 308 HDi, proving that choosing the right vehicle for the job and driving it well has the potential to deliver amazing emission reductions.

How to avoid and reduce emissions

Do you drive to the local shops? Think about these options (individually or combined) to reduce your car trips:
- Write a list and make just one trip per week to purchase everything at once
- Buy smaller loads to carry home on foot or bicycle
- Shop on your way home from work instead of making an extra trip
- Shop with a nearby friend - two families get their groceries in one car trip
Catch public transport. You can 'PT' it to most locations in most major cities. Particularly in peak hour - when traffic is congested - trains, trams and buses offer a more sustainable alternative and can even save you time.
Ride a bike - it's emission free. Enjoy the scenery and health benefits too. Find out about local bike paths through your local council or bicycle association.
Investigate car sharing and car pooling options. These programs are great if you can use alternative transport options most of the time, but need the convenience of a car (or a second car) every once in a while. Find out more.
Need to get the kids to school, sports, parties and other activities?
Co-ordinate with other parents to share the driving - not only will this reduce your emissions, it can free up some precious time and create social opportunities. Walking and cycling are also great options, with health benefits as well as environmental ones.

For more information about transport alternatives, visit the links page on travelsmart.gov.au

And remember, if you do have to drive, do it as efficiently as possible - find out how with these driving tips.

Check out the Green Vehicle Guide and compare the Fuel Consumption Label to find the greenest car that suits your needs if you are in the market for a new vehicle.

Offset the rest

It's important that we counteract the impact of the greenhouse emissions we create by undertaking an activity to absorb an equivalent amount of greenhouse gas from the atmosphere. Greenfleet plants permanent, biodiverse, native forests to offset greenhouse gas emissions on behalf of businesses and individuals.

Use our online Tree Totaller to calculate and offset the emissions generated by driving your car, air travel and household energy consumption.

* Full Fuel Cycle emissions - National Greenhouse Accounts Factors, June 2009

	General Transport	Post-2004 Vehicles
Unleaded petrol	2.56	2.47	t CO₂-e / kL
Diesel	2.90	2.89	t CO₂-e / kL
LPG	1.72	1.71	t CO₂-e / kL