Potential customers look for green credentials when scoping out the competition and it can have a huge impact on your public image, as well as customer loyalty.
The number of Brits booking coach holidays is soaring. Money is in short supply these days and finances are tight for many households but a coach holiday offers a great alternative as an affordable way to going away.
So it is no surprise to hear that many coaches are becoming eco-friendly.
- Electric coaches
These have become really popular as a viable way to moderate gas usage. They are fuel efficient and widespread in places like Japan. Drivers are equipped with a navigator which tracks their fuel economy online and they can earn points for driving in a sustainable manner, which can then be used to fund charitable organisations.
- ‘Green’ features
Elsewhere, Nissan’s Eco-Pedal activates a push-back force on the accelerator to remind the driver to be more conservative and use less gas. Many vehicles display a gauge which shows how green you are driving, and some models offer tips on how to increase fuel economy.
- Better public transport
Coaches are a much more sustainable form of transport. For every coach, 20 cars are taken off the road which reduces CO2 and congestion.
According to the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT), a 10% rise in annual coach journeys could result in more than 17 million fewer car journeys. What’s more, “many schools, education authorities and employers recognise these benefits and use coaches to avoid jams, reduce the need for parking spaces and to save money and energy.”
- Collect rainwater
Coaches need cleaning but they require a lot of water. There are instances in which rainwater is collected and stored in a tank to wash the coaches. When the water is used, it is drained through interceptor filters which go into a pump house. It is then filtered and cleaned to be used again.
- Recycling
It’s not just the coach itself which can be ecological. What happens to all the paper, plastic and food left on a coach? If anyone wants to throw away their paperwork, use a paper shredder and donate it to a farm for bedding.
How is the company’s offices heated? There is a vast array of renewable energy sources which you can unlock to heat the premises instead of using fossil fuels. When vehicle parts need replacing, recycle them and send all documents electronically to reduce paper printing.
- Low carbon emissions
Many coaches are now built with lower carbon emissions. This means that they have a Euro 3/ Euro 4 engine. Some also use exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) technology to enhance the green credentials.
Moreover, many vehicles are carbon neutral as the carbon produced on the tour is offset against projects elsewhere that have a carbon saving equivalency.
So as you can see, it is possible for coaches to reduce their carbon footprint. Give drivers training on smooth safe driving and it will reduce the amount of fuel used, as well as decrease tyre wear.
This article was written by Shearings Holidays, the UK’s leading coach holiday tour operator. (Image courtesy of Shearings Holidays)
