- August 2009
- Current Events
- Travel Tips
- Supplier News
- Regional
- International
- Government/Legislation
- Technology
- Industry Trends/Innovations
- Supplier Spotlight
- Spotlight on Leisure Offers
Industry Trends/Innovations
-
Driving habits can impact fuel economy
In today’s world of hybrids and smart cars, it is also important for drivers to remember that not only what they drive, but how they drive can impact fuel economy.
Whether renting a car while traveling, or driving a personal vehicle, the following tips from car manufacturers, rental car companies and environmental organizations may be useful to keep in mind.
- Try to maintain a constant speed when driving, rather than pumping the accelerator. Cruise control can help.
- Drive 55 miles per hour (89 kilometers per hour) rather than 65 mph (105 kph) to save fuel. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates this can improve fuel economy by 10-15 percent.
- Avoid accelerating or braking quickly to prevent increased pollution.
- Do not leave the car idling—car engines create more pollution idling than driving. When appropriate, turn the car off instead.
- Keep tires properly inflated to reduce rolling resistance and prolong the life of the tires.
- Avoid using the heat and air conditioning when possible. But keep the windows closed if traveling more than 50 miles per hour to reduce aerodynamic drag.
- Avoid traveling during rush hour, if possible. Stop-and-go driving increases emissions and uses more gas.
- Map the route—to avoid getting lost and having to backtrack.
Sources: budget.com, ford.com, carbonfund.org
Airlines make ‘green’ efforts
While it may be a challenging time for the airline industry, airlines and aviation groups are continuing to focus on the goal of becoming more environmentally friendly. In recent years, airlines have tested new means of flying and landing in an effort to make flights more fuel efficient. The continuous descent approach, one tactic promoted by the Asia and South Pacific Initiative to Reduce Emissions (ASPIRE) for example, is reported to save fuel and reduce carbon emissions through the practice of controlled gliding techniques upon descent. Japan Airlines Group (JAL) uses this and other flight and routing techniques, and is forecasting a significant reduction in fuel usage and related carbon emissions.
In the United States, the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) relies on the partnership of numerous organizations (including the Federal Aviation Administration [FAA], U.S. airports, and the Department of Homeland Security) working with 21st century technology to ensure future environmental needs are met. While safety and efficiency are key goals of NextGen, environmental initiatives also play a big role. In relation to NextGen, the FAA has entered into an agreement with the Alliance for Sustainable Air Transportation to lower carbon footprints. The FAA also established the Commercial Alternative Aviation Fuels Initiative (CAAFI). CAAFI is an alliance between airlines, manufacturers, airports, petroleum firms, and other federal agencies to increase the use of alternative fuels for commercial aviation.
Sources: www.atwonline.com, www.faa.gov
