Carrier Corporation, a global leader in high technology heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration solutions, has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by more than 30 percent since 2006. According to Erv Lauterbach, President of Carrier Building Systems, “this is the equivalent of taking more than 3,000 cars from the road. In addition, greening our fleet has generated over $1 million in fuel savings since 2008.” With over 3,000 vehicles in its North American fleet, Carrier has been able to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by utilizing a variety of strategies. The most significant changes including right-sizing fleet vehicles and monitoring driving patterns using global positioning system (GPS) data to removing unnecessary weight from vehicles.
Beginning in 2006, the company has been conducting a thorough analysis of its fleet vehicle performance and environmental impact. Before the right-sizing efforts began, the company’s service technicians used standard, one-size-fits-all vehicles. But Carrier realized that some technicians needed large trucks, while others carried less equipment and were better off using more compact vehicles that cost less and are more fuel efficient. Carrier changed its sales fleet vehicles, removing trucks and offering hybrids and smaller engine vehicles.
Carrier incorporated GPS technology into its fleet, which provided ample data about its driving practices. The GPS fleet tracking system provides data for fuel economy performance on all fleet vehicles across the nation, which has led to nearly a 7 percent increase in average mile per gallon. The GPS fleet tracking system is also improving dispatching and improve customer service. In emergency situations, service technicians can be deployed much faster than before because their exact location is known. Therefore, dispatchers can immediately select and navigate the nearest fleet vehicle. Carrier’s GPS fleet tracking system generates data that has provided visibility and other savings opportunities. For example, trucks used to carry unnecessary equipment which increased both vehicle weight and gasoline usage. Now trucks carry only the tools and parts that are required. “Greening our fleet is another example of Carrier’s environmentally sound business practices. We are committed to sustainability across our products, services and operations,” stated Erv Lauterbach, president, Carrier Building Systems and Services.
About Carrier Corp.
Carrier Corp. is a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX – News). Carrier experts provide sustainable solutions, integrating energy efficient products, building controls, and energy services for residential, commercial, retail, transport and food service customers. Founded by the inventor of modern air conditioning, Carrier improves the world around us through engineered innovation and environmental stewardship. Carrier is part of United Technologies Corp., a leading provider to the aerospace and building systems industries worldwide. Visit www.carrier.com for more information.