Quick Guide to Green Motoring

Emissions from driving a car have negative effects on our health and contribute to the Greenhouse effect. The level of overall emissions is based on what car you drive (make, model, age) what fuel it uses and how you drive it.

Be a Greener Driver Today

Regardless of what car you drive, you can reduce your harm on the environment now by doing the following:  

Change Your Driving Habits

1. Avoid hard acceleration and severe braking

2. Service your car regularly

3. Slow down - at 110km/h your car uses up to 25 per cent more fuel than cruising at 90km/h

4. Don't idle for long periods - if possible, turn your engine off

5. Look after your car's tyres - pressure, wear and wheel alignment

6. Use air conditioning only when needed

7. Travel light - the more a car carries, the more fuel it uses

Carbon Offset Your Driving

Carbon offsetting is basically calculating how much carbon dioxide your car will produce over a year and paying a small amount for a company, such as Neco Pty Ltd to undertake activity that negates your carbon dioxide. So if you are unable to sell your car now and buy something more eco friendly, you can still reduce your carbon footprint.

Be a Greener Car Driver Today and Tomorrow

When buying a new car consider the following for greener motoring:

1. Air pollution rating

2. Greenhouse gas emissions (carbon dioxide)

3. Fuel efficiency
   

Green Vehicle Rating

The Australian government has created the Green Vehicle Guide which combines the air pollution rating and Greenhouse rating to give an overall star rating out of 5, called the Green Vehicle Rating.

Top Green Cars in Australia

Click here to see the top green cars in Australia according to the Green Vehicle Guide.

Fuel Efficiency

Generally the more fuel efficient a car is, the better it is for the environment. Whilst a diesel car emits more pollutants (air pollution) than its petrol counterpart, the diesel car will use less fuel overall. This is why you need to consider a car’s Green Vehicle Rating as well as its fuel efficiency to determine how green it is.

Tip: All new vehicles have a Fuel Consumption Label on the windscreen that shows its fuel efficiency as well as its carbon dioxide emission.

What’s a Hybrid?

A hybrid uses both petrol and electricity to power the car. Because they don’t burn petrol 100% of the time when they are on, they are extremely fuel efficient, with the Toyota Prius boasting 4.4 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres.

Hybrids in Australia:

Honda Civic Hybrid
Toyota Prius Hybrid
Lexus RX450h
Lexus GS450h
Lexus 600hL

Quick Tips to Greener Motoring

1. When buying a new car consider the Green Vehicle Rating and fuel efficiency

2. Change your driving habits to use less fuel

3. Carbon offset your current car