Tech industry boasts most sustainable fleet – despite workforce doubts over sustainability goals

​The technology industry recently ranked the most sustainable for the impact of its low-emission vehicle fleet, but a new Acre study highlights sustainability challenges in the sector.

While the 2023 Fleet Sustainability Ranking by Industry study, conducted by car leasing company LeasePlan, placed the tech industry at the top for fleet management and environmental impact, our own data tells a different story.

The new Acre 2023/24 Sustainability Census report has shown that across all sectors, respondents - including those working in the tech space - express scepticism about their organisation meeting its sustainability commitments within the timeframes set.

The tech industry is lagging in this area with only 11 per cent having faith in their company’s sustainability targets, while the hospitality & leisure sector leads the way with confidence in their organisation’s goals at 38 per cent.

Jonathan Goldsmith, Head of Transport & Infrastructure – Sustainable Business at Acre, said: “While the LeasePlan data showcases the impact that low-emission fleets can have on sustainability rankings, it is vital to note that every industry still has a lot of work to do to mitigate environmental damage.

“Our census results clearly show that respondents in the tech space are among those who are doubtful their organisation will reach sustainability targets in the set timeframes. The focus, therefore, must be to instil more confidence in workforces and this must be driven from the top down.

“We see not only the tech industry, but also the non-profit (which scored the lowest), professional services and the manufacturing (materials, chemicals and components) industries lacking the confidence in their organisations and it’s vital that business leaders quash their doubts and lead by example.”

Why is the tech industry ranking highly for its vehicle fleet?

LeasePlan’s 2023 Fleet Sustainability Ranking by Industry study, which spans 22 European countries, graded industry fleets for their share of diesel, share of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), share of hybrid and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and the level of CO2 emissions.

The tech industry boasted the lowest average CO2 emissions and lowest share of diesel in fleet, combined with the second highest BEV, hybrid and PHEV share.

Road transport is responsible for around 20 per cent of CO2 emissions in the EU and transitioning from polluting vehicles to low and zero emission vehicles is a vital component for effective decarbonisation.

Larger businesses must aid a smooth transition as approximately 50 per cent of the vehicles driving on European roads are registered to organisations.

According to the LeasePlan analysis, technology was recognised as the most sustainable industry in terms of its fleets for the third consecutive year.

Which other industries rank highly for their sustainable fleets, according to LeasePlan?

The rest of the industries ranked in the following order: Financial & Professional Services, Energy & Chemicals, Industrial, Automotive, Consumer Goods, Constructions and Health & Pharma.

While all industries have experienced a CO2 reduction during this time, this has been predominantly visible in the top-ranking industries.

LeasePlan stated in its report: “We expect the fleet electrification trend to continue with regulations, at both an EU and local level, expected in the coming years.

“The EURO 7 EU regulations are set to launch in 2025. Among many things, these regulations aim to lower the gap between theoretical CO2 of cars (based on laboratory tests) and the real-world driving emissions.

“Making the switch to a low-emission fleet is one of the easiest ways for businesses to lower their overall emissions footprint and to help tackle climate change. It can be done with the stroke of a pen: no change of strategy is required.”

For further information about respondents expressing scepticism about their organisation meeting its sustainability commitments with the timeframes set and other sustainability statistics, please click here to download a free copy of the full Acre Census 2023 report.