‘I’m in shock’, said my friend. ‘It just cost me €55 to fill up the car – that’s more than a quarter of the weekly pension. What with this new carbon tax I can’t afford to go anywhere – but what can I do?’ ‘You can’t blame the carbon tax’, say I, ‘because at 4.2c per litre of petrol that’s less than 4% of what you pay. But you do need to find ways to drive less or increase your miles per litre.’
We all know by now that we must find ways to cut our personal carbon emissions to halt global warming – I’m on track to save 10% in 2010 – how are you doing? Since family cars account for around a third of household carbon emissions in Ireland, we need to cut down on the fuel we put in our cars, either by driving less or driving with fewer emissions. Let’s not kid ourselves this will be easy. Over the last 50 years of cheap, plentiful oil our whole way of life has become dependent on using cars more and more – it will take time for this to change. But there are many things we can all do to make savings right now.
First, think before you jump in the car. For a short journey less than a couple of miles consider walking or cycling – you’ll be healthier too! Join with other parents to set up a ‘walking bus’ to walk your younger children safely between home and school rather than driving them – the exercise will be good for them. Plan to combine errands into a single trip. Take off the roof-rack if you’re not using it, and take unnecessary stuff out of the boot – both increase fuel consumption.
Second, follow ecodriving guidelines - they can save 5-10% of fuel and emissions, and reduce accidents too:
- Easy does it – Drive smoothly, accelerate gently and read the road ahead to avoid unnecessary braking.
- Change up earlier – Try changing up at an engine speed of around 2000 rpm in a diesel car or around 2500 rpm in a petrol car. This can make such a difference that all cars will likely be fitted in future with Gear Shift indicators on the dashboard to indicate the most efficient gear change points.
- Turn it off – Any electrical load increases fuel consumption, so turn off your heated rear windscreen, demister blowers and headlights, when you don't need them.
- Stick to the limits – Drive at or within the speed limit – the faster you go the greater the fuel consumption and the greater the emissions too. Driving at 70mph uses up to 9% more fuel than at 60mph and up to 15% more than at 50mph. Cruising at 80mph can use up to 25% more fuel than at 70mph.
Third, look for public transport alternatives for regular trips, like commuting to work. And if there are none, consider sharing a ride to work with a colleague or two – the time will pass much faster!
But there is no reason to stop there.
When you next change your car, make sure you choose a car in the best emissions rating bands (A under 120 CO2g/km, or B120-140 CO2g/km). Not only will you save on fuel and emissions, but you will help your pocket with big savings on VRT and Road Tax.
Looking further ahead consider an electric car. From 2011 mainstream manufacturers Renault, Peugeot and Mitsubishi will start supplying electric cars. The initial cost will be higher than for petrol or diesel, due to the high cost of batteries, but the fuel costs will be much lower – perhaps one sixth. Emissions will also be lower, even if the electricity comes from fossil fuels, but lower still for green renewable electricity. Electric cars will be charged on cheap night rate electricity at home, giving a range of 60-120km, for around €2.50. The ESB plans to install 1,500 public ‘juice points’ for recharging in towns and cities right across the country between now and 2012. Living in a rural area, and occasionally needing to drive longer distances, I would prefer an electric car with an auxiliary petrol or diesel engine to extend the range – so I’m interested to see that the Opel Ampera, scheduled for launch in 2011, will have a battery range of 60km and an extended range of 500km.
I’m getting quite excited already – I reckon it’s time to lobby the Council for juice points in all towns and villages!
For more information and to take the 10:10 pledge see www.1010.ie or contact Nenagh Carbon Watchers (nenaghcarbonwatchers@gmail.com, or phone Joc on 087 699 6775).
No comments:
Post a Comment