Environmental footprint calculator for trucks

It is no secret that truck transports use fuel, but with relatively modest means fuel consumption and thus emissions can be considerably reduced. The Volvo Trucks updated web service Environmental Footprint Calculator helps customers become more eco-conscious. The upgraded tool also offers tips for reducing truck emissions.

The latest version of the Environmental Footprint Calculator is a more user-friendly version of the web application Volvo Trucks unveiled back in 2001. Among the tool’s new features are the possibility of comparing your specific truck’s environmental impact with Volvo Trucks’ newly launched models, the Volvo FH16 750 hp, Volvo FM MethaneDiesel and Volvo FE Hybrid.

The calculator also makes it possible to evaluate the environmental benefits of using alternative fuels instead of fossil fuels. What is more, customers can now examine entire truck fleets and compare three different trucks’ environmental footprints - features that were not available previously.

“The transport industry is under increasing pressure to work actively to reduce emissions and lower energy consumption,” says Lars Mårtensson, Director Environmental Affairs at Volvo Trucks. “To generate added interest and help even more operators in the transport industry meet environmental targets and customer demands, we have made the Environmental Footprint Calculator even more user friendly for our customers.”

The tool is the result of highly detailed data compilation regarding truck emissions throughout their life cycle - from production to scrapping. The data include parameters such as the calculation of environmental impact from materials, fuels, exhaust emissions and maintenance. The analysis can be used to compare different truck models or to examine different ways of reducing a truck’s environmental imprint.

The new tool not only helps customers identify their current eco-footprint; it also offers them practical tips for cutting their climate impact.

“By training drivers in economical driving, ensuring correct wheel alignment or making sure that tyres have the correct pressure, you can significantly reduce emissions even for existing vehicles. Correct wheel alignment and tyre choice, for instance, can cut fuel consumption by more than 10%. So you don’t necessarily have to buy a new truck with a more energy-efficient engine - there are many measures you can take to support more sustainable development,” explains Mårtensson.

The Environmental Footprint Calculator can:

• calculate the environmental footprint of several vehicles, allowing a comprehensive analysis of an entire truck fleet. Previously it was only possible to make calculations for individual vehicles. 
• compare the eco-impact of three trucks simultaneously.
• track the environmental footprint of the new Volvo FH16 750 hp, Volvo FM MethaneDiesel and Volvo FE Hybrid throughout their life cycle and see how they compare with other models.
• find out the environmental impact of biogas and biodiesel compared with fossil fuels.
• get suggestions for reducing the vehicle’s negative environmental impact. For example, the calculator offers tips on alternative fuels and how you can cut your fuel consumption.
• calculate the vehicle’s water consumption throughout its lifetime. This is an important parameter since the vehicle’s overall environmental impact has to do with more than just its climate impact.

Link to the Environmental Footprint Calculator: http://www.volvotrucks.com/trucks/australia-market/en-au/aboutus/environment/footprint-calculation/Pages/Calculate-your-trucks-footprint.aspx.