Fleet CO2 Balance for Companies: Sustainability in Practice

Sustainable mobility will play an important role for companies in the future. In addition to options such as car sharing, company e-bikes, or employer-provided public transport passes, a low-emission fleet is one of the ways Swiss companies can improve their CO2 balance. At CARIFY, we show you options and CO2 reduction strategies for your company and reveal how you can also reduce CO2 in your fleet.

Why Companies Should Improve Their Fleet’s CO2 Balance

It is proven that individual transportation significantly contributes to air pollution and is one of the main factors driving climate change. Additionally, road noise pollution causes health problems and leads to other societal costs, such as infrastructure damage. Switzerland is addressing this issue by increasing levies. The fact is: drivers would have to pay much more to offset all these damages and environmental impacts – and they will likely have to in the future. Sustainable mobility in companies is already worthwhile to improve the CO2 balance of their fleet.

Benefits of Reducing CO2 in the Fleet

Investing in a low-emission fleet offers advantages in several areas:

• Cost Savings: Using more efficient vehicles or alternative drives reduces fuel costs. In many cantons, electric vehicles (EVs) are fully or partially exempt from motor vehicle taxes, and some insurance providers offer lower rates for climate-friendly vehicles.

• Corporate Image: Sustainable actions are well received by customers and business partners. An environmentally friendly corporate philosophy can lead to stronger customer loyalty.

• Regulatory Compliance: Switzerland and neighboring European countries enforce strict emission reduction regulations. A CO2-efficient fleet helps companies comply with these laws and avoid penalties.

• Future Viability: Environmental and driving restriction zones will increasingly limit the use of combustion engines. In contrast, electric vehicles remain unrestricted.

• Employee Satisfaction: Environmentally conscious companies attract employees who value sustainability and benefit from better employee retention.

CO2 Reduction Strategies for Fleets

Companies can reduce fleet CO2 in multiple ways. Here are some approaches:

• Vehicles: Electric vehicles emit the least CO2 and significantly contribute to reducing emissions. However, they may not always be the ideal choice for all use cases. In such cases, energy-efficient, low-emission vehicles also support sustainable mobility in companies.

• Alternative Fuels: Using biofuels or other alternative fuels reduces CO2 emissions from combustion engines.

• Route Optimization: Planning software helps companies find the most efficient routes and avoid unnecessary trips.

• Driving Behavior: Encourage eco-friendly driving through employee training, such as maintaining consistent speeds and moderate acceleration.

• Maintenance: Regularly maintained vehicles operate more efficiently and consume less fuel.

• Carpooling: Companies can promote car-sharing programs or provide incentives for public transportation to reduce the number of vehicles on the road.

Implementing Sustainable Mobility in Fleets

Implementing sustainable mobility in companies requires planning; simply purchasing new vehicles is not enough. The partial electrification of the fleet should be approached strategically, considering charging infrastructure and charging times.

Choosing Low-Emission Vehicles

Due to stricter regulations, modern vehicles are now significantly more fuel-efficient than in previous years. However, combustion engines still produce CO2 emissions, which are offset by rising CO2 levies, increasing the overall costs of unsustainable fleets.

When selecting vehicles for a sustainable fleet, companies have several options:

• Electric Vehicles (EVs): Since EVs operate solely on electricity, they produce no CO2 emissions during use. Popular models include the Opel Corsa-e, Nissan Leaf, and Volkswagen ID.4. Among commercial vehicles, businesses favor the Citroën Berlingo and Maxus eDeliver 9.

• Hybrid Vehicles: A combination of combustion and electric engines reduces fuel consumption and emissions, as short trips can be covered entirely by electricity. The Toyota Prius and Seat Leon are common choices, with the Hyundai Staria offering spacious interiors.

• Plug-in Hybrids: These vehicles can travel longer distances on electricity before switching to a combustion engine. Unlike regular hybrids, plug-in hybrids are charged via a power outlet or charging station. Popular models include the Mitsubishi ASX and BMW 330e.

• Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles: These cars generate electricity from hydrogen, emitting only water vapor. The Hyundai Nexo is a notable example.

Integrating Fleet Management Tools

Fleet management tools facilitate the implementation of sustainable mobility in companies and improve efficiency, cost control, and safety:

• Data Analysis: Monitoring vehicle usage, fuel consumption, maintenance needs, and driving behavior allows businesses to identify trends and make informed decisions.

• GPS Tracking: Real-time GPS monitoring helps optimize routes and prevent unnecessary trips.

• Maintenance Management: Software reminders ensure timely vehicle maintenance, allowing companies to schedule services and organize replacement vehicles.

• Driver Training: Some fleet management tools offer training modules for drivers, such as guidance on EV operation and efficient driving habits, reducing accidents and long-term costs.

• Reporting: Detailed reports help businesses track fleet performance and identify improvement opportunities.

Best Practices for Reducing Fleet CO2

The best way to reduce fleet CO2 is by choosing low-emission vehicles. However, companies can and should do more:

• Use biofuels instead of gasoline or diesel in existing fleet vehicles, as they are more environmentally friendly than fossil fuels.

• Ensure optimal tire pressure and use season-appropriate tires to improve fuel efficiency.

• Promote carpooling or public transportation to reduce individual vehicle use.

Optimizing Driving Behavior

Aggressive driving may be enjoyable for some drivers, but it is harmful to the environment. Companies should train their drivers to adopt a defensive and efficient driving style. This not only reduces fuel consumption but also minimizes accident risks.

Long-Term CO2 Reduction Strategy

Fleet electrification cannot happen overnight. Instead, existing vehicles should gradually be replaced with EVs. A longer testing phase is beneficial, allowing companies to evaluate the practicality of climate-friendly vehicles. Providing driver training on EVs helps overcome uncertainty and ensures employee acceptance from the outset. CARIFY offers businesses attractive options to test EVs, such as the Try-&-Buy program, where companies can lease EVs for 1, 3, or 6 months before deciding on a purchase.

Incentives and Legal Requirements in Switzerland

As an alpine country, Switzerland already experiences the dramatic effects of climate change. In response, the federal government has enacted CO2 legislation to reduce emissions, including increasing CO2 levies. New vehicles are also subject to emissions regulations. However, there are incentives for sustainable mobility in companies.

Current Subsidy Programs for Companies

The Climate Foundation Switzerland provides financial support to SMEs looking to reduce fleet CO2 emissions. Additionally, some municipalities and cantons, such as Basel-Stadt, promote sustainable mobility in companies. Here, you can find Swiss funding programs for energy and mobility.

Tax Benefits and Subsidies

For several years, electric vehicles were exempt from import tax, but this exemption ended in early 2024. In some cantons, electric vehicles are either fully or partially exempt from motor vehicle tax:

• Zürich, Solothurn, Glarus: 100% exemption

• St. Gallen: 100% for 4 years, then 50%

• Bern: 60% for 4 years

• Basel-Stadt: 50% for 10 years

Conclusion: How to Improve Your Fleet’s CO₂ Balance

Sustainable mobility in businesses is primarily achieved through low-emission vehicles. If you want to reduce CO₂ emissions in your fleet, electric cars are the best choice. They are exempt from CO₂ taxes, have lower fuel costs, and are more affordable in terms of maintenance and servicing. You can also maintain flexibility in your fleet size with CARIFY’s car subscriptions, which offer terms starting from one month and attractive fleet conditions—making them a great alternative to leasing.

FAQs

How can a company reduce CO₂ emissions in its fleet?

Companies can lower CO₂ emissions by using low-emission vehicles, electrifying their fleet, optimizing routes, implementing driver training, and offering car-sharing, carpooling, and public transport options.

What subsidies are available for companies in Switzerland to reduce CO₂ emissions in their fleet?

The Swiss government currently supports sustainable mobility in businesses only indirectly by continuously increasing CO₂ pricing under the CO₂ Act. However, there are cantonal and municipal subsidies, so it's worth checking locally. The Swiss Climate Foundation provides support for SMEs aiming to reduce fleet CO₂ emissions. Here, you can find Swiss funding programs for energy and mobility.

How is CO₂ calculated in a fleet?

CO₂ calculation in a fleet requires collecting and analyzing various data:

• Vehicle type and model

• Fuel consumption in liters/kWh per 100 kilometers

• Travel distances recorded via logbook systems or GPS tracking

Emission calculation per liter:

• Gasoline: Average fuel consumption per 100 km × 2.370/100

• Diesel: Average fuel consumption per 100 km × 2.650/100