While half of European fleets questioned have set carbon emission reduction goals, the industry lacks a holistic tool to measure and successfully cut emissions to meet those targets, according to recent survey by fleet management and leasing company Alphabet.

Surveying more than 700 fleet managers in 12 countries and various business sectors, the European Fleet Emission Monitor by Alphabet (EFEM) determined that companies may need to adopt a more comprehensive approach to achieve their sustainability goals.

For example, according to the survey, 61% of companies acknowledge the significance of sustainability in their business decisions and nearly the same number recognize its importance in fleet planning. Yet only a third actively monitor their emissions. Additionally, 17% of companies surveyed had no knowledge of their CO2 emissions at all.

“Fleet planning is a great example for how challenging it can be to bring economic efficiency or profitability in balance with a sustainability-oriented business model. Success and sustainability need to be compatible, and it can be,” said Markus Deusing, Alphabet International CEO. “The first step is to provide a system that allows fleet managers to draw a reliable picture of their status quo and make changes accordingly.”

Slightly more than half of Alphabet customers in Europe have established specific CO2 goals for the future, with more than a third targeting these goals within the next two to five years.

Nearly half the companies without a suitable monitoring solution use their own calculations based on fuel consumption data, while another third rely on manufacturer data, according to the EFEM report.

The report also reveals 69% of Alphabet customers believe their fleets will eventually be fully electrified, with 30% expecting their fleets to be completely petrol- and diesel-free within the next six to 10 years.

Significant challenges remain before fully-electric fleets become a reality. Nearly all (94%) fleet managers cited major obstacles including battery range and lack of charging infrastructure.  

To answer a “pressing need for a comprehensive and user-friendly CO2 monitoring solution, Alphabet is investing and teaming up with an external partner to develop reliable system that provides “a clear snapshot of their current standing and enables them to make sustainable modifications,” according to Andreas Baron, the company’s Sustainability and Consulting expert.

“I believe the survey is a kind of wake-up call for companies to take immediate action to reduce their emissions and adopt a more sustainable approach. It is the responsibility of all of us to lead by example and implement measures that help create a greener future for generations to come”, said Deusing.