MANY UK businesses are seeking ways to reduce their company vehicles’ CO2 emissions, usually to help their employees with their benefit in kind tax liability. Of course, low emission vehicles tend to be more economical to run, so the fuel savings benefit the company, too.

But carbon offsetting in itself is not as widely practiced – companies often don’t realise that by choosing to do so as part of their corporate social responsibility, it can ultimately result in more business for them.

This is because running a greener fleet will help clients understand a business’s ethics; by reducing its carbon footprint, it is showing commitment to the environment.

There are lots of companies that support this practice and will, as a result, give preference to any businesses that are actively demonstrating their commitment with an in-house carbon reduction programme, especially when it has been certified by a third party.

UK Carline has offered its clients the chance to lease vehicles and fleets on a green driving, green leasing or carbon neutral basis since 2009. Jonathan Nolan, General Manager at UK Carline, explains;

“We have calculated the CO2 output that our vehicles will produce during the period of the contract – by investing in ethical and credible carbon reduction projects around the world we will offset the carbon produced. UK Carline is committed to the environment and our customers; we pride ourselves in helping them achieve their own specific carbon neutral or carbon reduction targets.

“As your everyday business activities consume energy, carbon emissions are produced. Carbon offsetting counteracts emissions by funding essential renewable energy, resource conservation projects and forestry around the world which generates reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.”

Trying to internally reduce carbon emissions can often have a negative impact on performance, or can carry a financial burden: a properly planned carbon offset programme can deliver greater returns and allow businesses to meet their targets more speedily.

Jonathan continued;

“We make it as simple as possible for businesses to put a carbon offset scheme in place – when enquiring about any leased vehicle, simply request that we build the funding into the cost of the deal.

“UK Carline also offers a carbon evaluation for existing fleets; many companies that we see are surprised by how much money they can save on operational costs by analysing fuel usage, telematics, driver training maintenance, journey planning, and more.

“For many businesses, one of the worries of carbon offsetting is the cost – however, it is often surprisingly cheap. The rewards that the customer stands to gain, in terms of gaining additional business due to its green credentials, is far greater.”