Findel plc, a group of businesses in the home shopping, educational supplies and healthcare markets, has seen average carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions on its 262-strong car fleet tumble from 164g/Km to 125g/Km and those on its 165-strong van fleet fall from 228g/Km to 190g/Km.

Additionally, both the company and its drivers are benefiting from significant financial savings and cash flow advantages after switching to vehicle leasing from outright purchase.

Almost all the vehicles have been renewed this year with vehicles selected on a whole life cost basis, whilst also ensuring they are fit-for-purpose.

The all-diesel company car fleet is now dominated by BMW 320 models equipped with the manufacturer’s Efficient Dynamics carbon-reducing package and Vauxhall Insignia EcoFLEX models. Additionally, the BMW 5 Series is prevalent among senior management.

Meanwhile, the van fleet is composed of Euro 5 emission compliant models with Mercedes-Benz Sprinters and Ford Transits to the fore.

Roz Byrom, Group fleet manager at Findel, said: ‘The car fleet was previously a mix of petrol and diesel models and some of our vans were up to seven years old.

‘We appointed TR Fleet as our fleet management experts and the company used its experience and marketplace knowledge to devise a new vehicle policy that would meet the company’s environmental credentials and deliver financial savings.’

The lower a vehicle’s emissions the better its fuel economy, so Findel is benefiting from improved MPG and lower fuel bills. Meanwhile, company car drivers are seeing lower benefit-in-kind tax bills, which translates into reduced National Insurance contributions for Findel which also sees savings in Vehicle Excise Duty and capital allowances.

‘The company car policy that we have introduced this year has been a win-win for the company and drivers alike in terms of financial savings and carbon footprint reduction. Additionally, the company has seen a significant reduction in maintenance costs as older vehicles are defleeted, while contract hire gives the business major cash flow benefits as we don’t have significant sums of money tied up in depreciating assets,’ Ms Byrom continued.

A part of the new policy sees the introduction of an emissions cap set at 160 g/km for senior management grades and 140 g/km for other vehicles. However, that will reduce on an annual sliding scale and next year will fall to 140 g/km and 120 g/km respectively.

Julie Boyd, managing director at TR Fleet, said: ‘We take a procurement-led, consultancy approach to managing all aspects of a company’s vehicle fleet to deliver maximum value for money.

‘We ask our panel of vehicle leasing providers to quote for each vehicle and then select the provider based on the most competitive quote. Our focus is 100% on delivering client value for money and that is exactly what we are doing for Findel.’