Natural Resources Canada
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BACKGROUNDER

Launched in March of 1997, the FleetSmart program helps fleet owners and operators in all sectors to improve energy efficiency and reduce fuel costs. Improvements in energy efficiency are key elements in Canada's effort to address the growing problems of greenhouse gas emissions such as carbon dioxide (CO2).

The transportation sector is responsible for 27 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change, and commercial vehicles are estimated to contribute roughly 19 percent of that amount. Emissions of CO2, a major greenhouse gas, are directly proportionate to the amount of fuel used. In fact, about 2.5 kg. of carbon dioxide is produced for every litre of diesel or gasoline consumed on the road. Fuel-efficiency in fleet operations has a key role to play in reaching Canada's commitments to reduce greenhouse gases.

FleetSmart encourages cost-effective energy efficiency improvements in fleet operations. Through the program, fleet owners, operators and drivers are beginning to focus on energy efficiency improvements and helping to develop strategies to reduce fuel use and emissions. Fleets that have registered with the program receive a Tool Kit as a guide to energy efficiency opportunities and access to a range of other program materials and services, such as case studies, fleet profiles, best practice guides, posters and other promotional material. Over 300 fleets are currently registered, representing more than 84,000 vehicles.

SmartDriver for Heavy Vehicles is the first in a planned series of modules to provide materials to fleet managers and trainers on fuel-efficient driving skills. This initial package builds on Natural Resources Canada's decade of experience with Pro-Trucker, a driver training program funded jointly with many provincial governments across Canada. Pro-Trucker was phased out in 1996. A recent industry survey, conducted by Truck News and published in its March 1998 issue confirmed, however, that training in fuel-efficient driving remains an important issue for drivers.

SmartDriver was developed specifically to complement existing training programs. Development of the package was supported by the industry and guided by a working group of fleet managers and driver trainers. A network of Master Trainers has been established to provide "train-the-trainer" sessions to driving schools and in-house trainers, as required.

The package includes five components: an instructor guide, a video with supporting overheads, trainee handout materials and an interactive efficiency card game, an innovative approach to group learning suitable for the experienced as well as novice driver.

For more information on FleetSmart and SmartDriver for Heavy Vehicles, contact
Madeleine Middleton
FleetSmart Program
580 Booth St., 18th Floor,
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0E4
(613) 947-8381
By Fax (613) 952-8169
or by e-mail at fleet.smart@nrcan.gc.ca