Construction firm uses driver tracking device to slash emissions

J. Murphy & Sons (Murphy) fitted 1,900 of its commercial vehicles with vehicle tracking technology which monitors the speed, idling time and journey routes its drivers were taking.

The London-based firm then held workshops for its drivers, to encourage more fuel-efficient driving, using the information from the tracking software to flag up good and bad practice.

Changing behaviours

Murphy’s director of procurement, plant and transport John Coll said: “At Murphy, we realise the value of getting our drivers to better understand the consequences of their actions – whether that’s the amount of fuel and carbon that can be used up by idling in traffic or looking at ways to improve their driving.

“The awareness scheme has certainly helped improve the way people think and act, and has helped Murphy push at cutting our carbon and costs as much as possible.”

As an example of the positive impact of the behaviour change campaign, 53 drivers who were found to have exhibited poor choices and negative driver behaviour previously, have a zero reoffending rate to this day. Latest figures show there has also been a 35% decrease in road traffic accidents per million pounds of turnover since 2012, along with a significant reduction in the severity of accidents.  
 
With the vast majority of that emissions reduction coming from reduced fuel consumption, the company is also investing in electric and hybrid vehicles, with around 6% of its fleet currently qualifying as ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEVs).

Sustainabillity Leader

In 2009, Murphy set a target to of a 10% reduction in carbon emissions across its UK business by the end of 2014. A spokesperson for the company told edie that the group has now set itself a new target of a 30% emissions reduction by 2019 from the same 2009 baseline, with latest provisional results revealing a reduction of around 23%.

The success of Murphy’s emissions reduction programme led to the company being shortlisted for the Carbon Management category at edie’s 2015 Sustainability Leaders Awards.  

Following the success of this driver tracking programme, Murphy is now trialling engine management fuel saving devices in several of its vehicles.

Greening your fleet at edie Live 2016

Whether from logistics and operational vehicles or company cars, fleet emissions can contribute significantly to an organisation’s carbon footprint. From driver management to electric vehicles, the edie Live 2016 exhibition at the NEC Birmingham in May will address the approaches and options available to reduce impact, cut carbon and green your fleet.

Find out more about edie Live 2016 and register to attend for free here.

Luke Nicholls