How to use eco-friendly routes to cut costs

The quest for sustainability is a top priority for businesses looking to become more attractive to existing and new customers alike. But another compelling factor for businesses of all sizes is that it can also save money while protecting the planet.

 Sensible eco-friendly route planning brings cost savings in energy consumption, vehicle wear and fuel usage, as well as reducing fleet carbon emissions that have a positive impact on the environment.

Better planning also grows operational efficiency, particularly for delivery and logistics businesses needing strong alignment with regulatory requirements and public expectations.

To make transport fleets operationally more eco-friendly, businesses are changing the way they think about travel planning to place the focus on the best ways to save energy – rather than solely travel time and the race to get people and products to their destination fast.

Using this way of route planning helps cut down the environmental footprint of logistics, ensures businesses keep working well and could even end up saving time.

Start by looking at your existing routes and see where you can move towards lower fuel consumption or if there are regular routes that could be more efficient. Work together with colleagues and customers in the supply chain to make a plan for sustainability and explain why you're doing it. Keep everything clear with good documentation by using route planning and optimisation software.

Planning the best routes to cut down on unnecessary travel, and cutting fuel consumption and emissions will help lower your environmental impact and make you more attractive to potential new customers.

Eco-friendly routing shows the market that your firm cares about following sustainable practices – something growing numbers of stakeholders now look for before embarking on new partnerships. It's also very positive from a brand perspective, with future-proofed companies seen as more forward thinking.

Traffic analysis can help drivers keep clear of busy spots that use extra fuel and boost emissions at certain times of the day and night, while shortened distances that remove unnecessary travel help them get where they need to go fast.

Seasonal adjustments based on events, weather or traffic patterns will help fleet managers change routes when they know it's going to be congested. That's where real-time route updates are also a game-changer that allow drivers to switch routes fast if they see traffic developing.

These simple steps help create better logistics and have a significant impact on the big sustainability goals, so it's always a good idea to share the difference you're making to the planet with the team.

Companies may encounter several challenges when starting up greener logistics strategies, including higher initial costs, resistance to change from staff and the complexity of integrating new systems. Additionally, balancing sustainability with operational efficiency can be difficult, as well as ensuring compliance with regulations while maintaining service quality.

But there are easier ways to benefit from technology without having to overhaul a complete system.

Tools like Artificial Intelligence, GPS and dedicated logistics programmes make things easier and are much more exact and simple to change, and many are easily integrated into a fleet's management system through a specialist fuel card provider.

Many come with fleet management software that allows fleet managers a real-time overview of how drivers are performing and whether the new eco-aware routes are making a difference financially and environmentally when it comes to resource allocation.

Eco-routing can pave the way for greener transport systems which will mean cleaner air and another victory in the fight against climate change.

When companies use eco-friendly routes, it's a huge benefit to human health and shows their neighbours that they genuinely care about being a responsible, friendly and respected part of the community. Again, all are good for business.

Helping the environment and bringing cost savings to your fleet will mean your drivers will have a sense of worth because of the best practice benefits for future generations. Some of the savings can also be ploughed back into the business in terms of reward and recognition schemes, which again grow colleague engagement.

Many companies that operate fuel cards are linked to supermarkets offering fuel cheaper than the national average. They also allow drivers to benefit from loyalty reward schemes. So as well as making a change for the good of the planet by stressing the importance of sustainability, employees can benefit in more immediate ways too.