Cutting travel emissions
We try to avoid business travel where we can and encourage our employees to find responsible ways of commuting to work, such as using public transport, cycling, walking and car-sharing. For instance, Aviva France tied in with national events such as European Mobility Week, during which more than 160 employees signed up to a new online car-sharing database, while other campaigns promoted cycling and walking for short journeys.
To reduce long-distance travel, we have launched our first high-definition telepresence conferencing suites at Group Centre in London and Wellington Row, York. Suites in Norwich, Pune (India) and the regional offices for North America and Asia Pacific go live from April 2008.
Aviva Canada’s decision to reduce its car fleet from eight models to just one, smaller-engined car will save about 504 kg of CO2 per vehicle each year. Elsewhere, Aviva Group Centre has transferred its taxi contract to Addison Lee, which is carbon neutral, and we are also working with our vehicles service fleet (RAC) to investigate alternative lower carbon-intensive fuels. Our executive fleet has been dramatically reduced and the remaining cars have been specifically chosen for their environmental performance.
Case study
Keeping vehicle emissions in check
In recognition of RAC’s investment in projects to reduce its carbon footprint and create both environmental and social benefits, the company retained the Breakdown/Recovery Company of the Year title in the 2007 Greenfleet Awards. Judges were impressed with innovations such as the eco-sheets that its vehicle check subsidiary company, HPI, provide free of charge to used car dealers. These allow buyers to make more informed decisions based on emissions and fuel economy data.
Case study
Aviva goes solar
To help raise awareness of the need to reduce our transport emissions, the Aviva Southern Aurora solar car took part in the Panasonic World Solar Challenge in Australia in October 2007. More than 40 teams participated, driving the 3,000 kilometres from Darwin to Adelaide with only sunlight for fuel. The Aviva sponsored car finished third in its class, and sixth overall. Capable of reaching 75 kph, the car runs on less electricity than a toaster and emits no carbon dioxide.
For more information, visit
www.avivasolarcar.com and www.wsc.org.au.
“One in three motorists considers CO2 emissions when buying a car. Ultimately, our aim is to encourage more motorists to think about purchasing a used vehicle with lower CO2 emissions.”
Daniel Burgess automotive director, HPI