Transport fleets recognise the importance of sustainability

The results at the end of 2024 show that fleets based in the UK and Ireland are some of the most forward-thinking in Europe when it comes to sustainability, but price and complexity are still obstacles to the wider implementation of environmentally friendly practices.

Overall, 93% of UK&I fleets answer that environmental sustainability is ‘important’ or ‘very important’ to their company, while 100% of mega fleet respondents (over 500 vehicles) claim it is ‘very important’, underscoring a trend in which reputation and corporate values drive sustainability efforts.

Fleets of all sizes say sustainability is first and foremost a corporate value, ranking either their corporate values or a concern for climate change as the main reason for embarking on sustainability efforts, but smaller fleets (up to 50 vehicles) are more likely to use these practices to reduce their operating costs or help win new business.

Reducing fuel consumption remains a core component of sustainability strategies. Two-thirds (67%) of UK&I fleets continue to prioritise fuel-efficient tyres, but only 31% are investing in newer vehicles to improve environmental performance, compared to a European average of 58%. Telematics solutions to monitor and reduce fuel consumption are the most popular measure (72%), while retreaded tyres (48%) and driver training (61%) are also common practice.

While sustainability is a key goal, obstacles remain. Price continues to be the biggest challenge, with 46% of fleets citing the high cost of sustainable solutions as a barrier, but this is lower than the European average of 63%. Moreover, 37% of respondents view solution complexity as another significant hurdle, particularly for smaller fleets.

The full results of the 2024 Sustainable Reality Survey can be viewed at https://www.goodyear.eu/en_gb/truck/knowledge-centre/Sustainable-Reality.html

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