Fuel saving with Eco-Driving – efforts to create the “3-litre driver” in Austria

Panel: Panel 8: Transport and mobility

Author:
Bettina Hatzenbichler, Austrian Energy Agency, Transport Unit

Abstract

Eco-Driving is a modern driving-style that reduces fuel consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and accident rates. Eco-driving can be one way to save energy in transport by trying to create the “3-litre driver” instead of the “3-litre car”, which we are still waiting for.

In 2004, the Austrian Ministry of Environment, in co-operation with the Austrian Energy Agency and the Association of Driving Schools started aiming to accelerate the establishment of Eco-Driving in Austria. The following parts form the Eco-Driving initiative:

Eco-Driving Competition: Car drivers in Austria are invited to take part in this competition with an extra valuation for novice drivers.

Eco-Driving Certificate for driver trainers: In pilot seminars 30 driving teachers have been certified to Eco-Driving-trainers with a certain quality standard (based on European experience).

Cooperation with fleet operators: Professional drivers in fleets are invited to take part in an Eco-Driving training. Some 100 drivers have been trained in pilot seminars up to now with promising results in terms of CO2-emission reduction, increased driving comfort and less fuel consumption. Furthermore 4,800 locomotive drivers of the “ÖBB-Traktion GmbH” have been trained. Through their trainings 2,600 tons of CO2 can be saved every year.

Awareness raising, marketing and public relations: All parts of the programme are accompanied by radio spots, print media coverage, leaflets with fuel economy tips etc.

For the 2005 campaign a national representative inquiry came up with very positive results of the Austrian wide campaign, therefore in 2006 an again enlarged national Eco-Driving-campaign and competition was organised.