Surging petrol and diesel prices, and looming vehicle pollution controls, will fuel the launch in Auckland tomorrow of a scheme for companies to boost transport efficiency.
The Sustainable Business Network, with about 350 members ranging from self-employed contractors to big car brands and corporates such as IAG Insurance andFuji Xerox, is exhorting businesses to enrol in its GreenFleet transport programme.
As well as helping participants to develop sustainable transport plans for staff, whether for travel in company time or to and from work, the scheme will raise money for planting trees to absorb pollution from vehicle fleets.
Membership fees will pay for 23 native trees to be planted by community groups and schools for each vehicle in a company's fleet, to offset carbon emissions, while longer-term transport management solutions are developed. This quota is calculated on native bush soaking up 125 tonnes of carbon a hectare, and including a 10 per cent buffer for plant mortality.
Network chief executive Jami Williams, whose organisation has offices in three other centres and is about to open another in the Waikato, emphasises planting trees is not a way of "writing off" the effect of vehicle emissions.
"The most effective means to reduce the impact of transport is to treat the cause."
Tree-planting was a short-term measure by which organisations could take transport management a step further with advice from the GreenFleet programme about the latest available fuels and technologies.
Businesses would be invited to treat the cause of pollution by managing travel better and educating staff to drive with a lighter foot for better fuel efficiency, a growing imperative amid spiralling oil prices.
Staff should also be encouraged to try new ways of getting to work, such as by employers providing bike racks and showers for those choosing to cycle or walk.
Other suggestions will include sharing cars, travelling at off-peak times, or even working from home to ease congestion.
Key sponsors of the scheme are the Auckland Regional Council, Toyota, Honda and the global fleet management and leasing company LeasePlan, which will encourage clients to contribute $1 a month to the trees fund for each vehicle.
Both car companies are promoting their respective hybrid petrol-electric vehicles through the scheme.
