Carbon Neutral Removals from Easy Shift

We recently became the first moving company within the area to successfully offset our entire carbon emissions for 2006 and become carbon neutral. In a continuing effort to “redefine removals”, we are now working alongside Blue Ventures Carbon Offset (BVCO) to reduce our fleet’s carbon footprint, and join a growing number of organisations with the belief that concerns of the environment should have a place within modern business practices.

Easyshift’s aim, with the help of the BVCO and the guidance of Transport for London, is to reduce emissions as much as possible through the introduction of more efficient exhaust management systems and general management practices. Whatever emissions can’t be reduced we now offset through the BVCO programme.

Top 10 tips for energy efficient driving, that can be used by all include:

1. Check your revs - change up before 2,500rpm (petrol) and 2,000rpm (diesel).

2. Drive smoothly, avoiding sharp acceleration and heavy braking. This saves fuel and reduces accident rates.

3. Use air conditioning sparingly as it significantly increases fuel consumption.

4. The most efficient speed depends upon the car in question but is typically around 55 - 65mph. Faster speed will greatly increase your fuel consumption.

5. Drive away immediately when starting from cold - idling to heat the engine wastes fuel and causes rapid engine wear.

6. Remove accessories such as roof racks, bike carriers, and roof boxes when not in use.

7. Avoid short journeys - a cold engine uses almost twice as much fuel and catalytic converters can take five miles to become effective.

8. Plan your journeys to avoid congestion, road works and getting lost.

9. Check your tyre pressure regularly - under-inflated tyres are dangerous and can increase fuel consumption by up to 3%.

10. If you’re stuck in a jam, switch the engine off if you expect to be there for more than a minute or two. Cutting the engine will save fuel and reduce emissions.

Blue Ventures Carbon Offset (BVCO)

BVCO run energy efficient stove projects in rural coastal regions of southern Madagascar, helping communities, and reducing carbon dioxide by balancing out the previous carbon levels emitted by companies like Easyshift. Feel free to contact them to see how you could reduce your own carbon emissions, whether domestic or business. Talk to Ellie at BVCO, her details are: Phone: 020 8341 9819 . E-mail ellie@blueventures.org.