According to the new research it has undertaken, the EST says businesses, charities and public sector organisations are keen to operate environmentally friendly fleets but still have a long way to go.

It is calling this trend the “Green Gap”. Philip Sellwood, chief executive of the Energy Saving Trust, said: ‘We have come a long way in getting organisations to take the environmental impact of their fleet vehicles seriously. But we need them to have more than just a positive attitude. We’re calling on businesses to do more than “talk the talk”.

‘Many get full marks for attitude but not for effort; which is a surprise given the money they can save. It really is time to bridge the Green Gap, cut carbon and save cash. Per car per year companies can save £1,000. Imagine what that could be for a whole fleet!’

Transport Minister Sadiq Khan called on fleets to take more action: “I am encouraged that so many organisations do recognise the importance of reducing the environmental impacts of their fleets.

‘This is an important first step, but the real benefits come from taking action. The Energy Saving Trust can help organisations take the next steps to reduce carbon and save money from how they manage their fleets.’

According to the EST, the public sector is making the most ground in implementing a green fleet, with 56% of public sector fleets reporting that green issues are central to their fleet policies.

Although 60% of fleet managers surveyed said that reducing the environmental impact of their fleet is very important, only 27% have policies in place to do something about it; equating to a “Green Gap” of 33%.

And whilst 57% say it is very important that their employees drive the most fuel-efficient vehicles, fewer than half of these companies – 24% – ensure that they actually do.

Organisations of all sizes, in both the public and private sector, can take a significant step towards cutting emissions and saving money with free fleet advice from the Energy Saving Trust.

For further information and a chance to win FREE smarter driving lessons – which could save you £250 per driver – visit www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/greengap or call 0845 602 1425.