Complete Taxi Management Secures Australian First

Complete Taxi Management Secures Australian First

Brisbane, 20 July 2011 - In an Australian first for a major taxi operator, Complete Taxi Management has committed to the greening of its fleet and operations. Partnering with leading global benchmarking and certification program EarthCheck, their decision is seen as a challenge to the transport industry.

According to a report published by the Department of Climate Change in 2007*, emissions from Australia’s transport account for 14.6 per cent of overall greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and road transport is the main source; with passenger cars identified as the largest contributor.

“Many think that hybrid vehicles are the way forward,” explained Greg Collins, Managing Director, Complete Taxi Management. “But it doesn’t take heavy investment in these types of new vehicles to access the benefits of lower fuel and running costs.”

“The EarthCheck Program provides us with a framework to improve the efficiency of our entire fleet and we’d rather be proactive than reactive.” Collins continues. “Governments don’t repeal taxes once in place, so the likelihood is the carbon tax will be levied against companies such as ours sooner or later.“

Over the past year, EarthCheck has helped more than 1,100 organisations in over 65 countries to reduce their consumption of natural resources. Their certification program is independently audited and helps clients meet the environmental requirements often associated with preferred supplier agreements.

“Complete Taxi Management has identified a market niche that will deliver them long-lasting financial and strategic benefits,” said EarthCheck CEO, Stewart Moore. “The EarthCheck Standard will help them address risk, meet future insurance compliance requirements and map the company’s carbon footprint.”

Many of the benefits of sustainable operations go well beyond the bottom line. Good environmental and social practice is increasingly being seen as an essential part of sound corporate governance. That’s because sustainable practices help reduce risk, manage environmental impacts, and position the company strongly when it comes to securing preferred supplier agreements.

“Our drivers and customers expect this type of forward-thinking and product innovation from us,” said Collins. “We want to demonstrate how easy it can be for the transportation industry to lift their game using current makes and models. It’s time to put the brakes on the myth that hybrid vehicles are the only way to go green. There’s a lot we can do through behavioural change and it’s time to stop making excuses.”

Unfortunately, beyond the bowser, there remains little incentive for drivers to improve fuel efficiency. Government still fails to give recognition or reward to those who are taking meaningful steps and so reducing GHG emissions will – for a time yet – remain an action driven by the private sector.

ENDS