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VT Group 2009

Organisational challenge/context

VT Training provides vocational training across the UK through 500 Vocational Coaches (VC). VC’s therefore spend much of their time behind the wheel travelling between offices and customers, clocking up millions of road miles per year. This has a large impact on carbon dioxide emissions and fuel costs.

VT Training HR department and supply chain worked in collaboration to introduce a car scheme that would:

• Reduce carbon dioxide emissions
• Improve driver safety
• Improve staff attraction and retention

Sustainable travel intervention(s)

At the beginning of 2008 the average VT Training company car CO₂ emissions were 200g/km as most vehicles were saloons. In the previous five years the gap between saloons and superminis in safety, inside space and comfort had closed, facilitating a review of company car policy.

The Vauxhall Corsa 1.3 CDTi Club was chosen because:

• It is fuel efficient (official combined mileage figure of 62.8 miles per gallon)
• The size, specification and image appeal to staff
• Carbon dioxide emissions from the Corsa are 119g/km (facilitating an average 81g/km CO₂ saving)

The pilot scheme was put in place in February 2008.

Despite those staff who took up the Corsa being extremely happy the take-up rates since the initial inception have been lower than expected. A review was taken as to why this may be and amendments to the scheme have since been made:

• Previously the system was open every three months but have now allowed issue of cars “as and when”.
• Posters have been put up around the offices emphasising the benefits (including environmental benefits) of taking up the Corsa.
• A project has commenced which looks at how we can reduce the £6m we spend on travel (mostly fuel mileage) which includes looking at particularly high mileage drivers and the use of greener cars.
   

Results/benefits

• In its first year the car policy reduced CO₂ emissions by 101 tonnes. The vehicles were so well received the Corsa fleet was to be gradually introduced with an expected 200+ total final fleet
• In October 2008 VT’s initiative was recognised by the Energy Saving Trust in its annual Fleet Hero Awards, with VT being named Grey Fleet Champion
• Better fuel efficiency reduced fuel costs and “fill up” stops
• Staff morale and attraction / retention rates improved

Company Description
VT Group is a leading government and critical support services company, providing engineering and other services, mainly to governments around the world, headquartered in Southampton, Hants

Website
www.vtplc.com

Case Study
Download Case Study as PDF: VT 2009