Climate change and carboNZero certification

As a company with a strong sense of community responsibility, First Direct is determined to be a socially responsible corporate citizen.  We consider climate change and the decline of global oil reserves to be challenges that business must address. Since 2007 this outlook has led us to work with our vehicle operators to manage and reduce our fuel consumption and climate change impact. 

Our commitment is certified

We chose carboNZero certification as the way to integrate environmental management into our business. The carboNZero programme provides the tools to measure, manage and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions with credibility and integrity. carboNZero is the world's first accredited greenhouse gas certification scheme under ISO 14065.

First Direct became carboNZero-certified in 2009, meaning that between reduced carbon emissions and the purchase of carbon off-set credits, we are now carbon neutral.  

Hybrid-power vehicles

In 2007 First Direct became the first South Island company to establish a hybrid-power vehicle fleet. Hybrids combine petrol and electric power to substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  

We have actively encouraged our members to switch to low-emission vehicles. The hybrid fleet currently makes up about one-third of the total car fleet. All our cars, whether hybrid, petrol, diesel or LPG, must meet our strict vehicle policy of a maximum CO₂ rating of 200 grams per km (policy excludes vans at this time). We were the first New Zealand taxi company to introduce a maximum CO₂ rating, with the impact that six-cylinder cars are being phased out of our fleet.

Operations review

At First Direct we regularly review our entire operation with a view to improving customer service and reducing our carbon footprint. A key factor in reducing carbon emissions has been reductions in the number of so-called “dead miles” taxis travel without a passenger on board.

In 2008 a review of our GPS dispatch system resulted in a major change to system parameters. This was to encourage greater efficiency from the fleet as a whole and from individual drivers. We continue to review and adjust this system to optimise efficiencies.

Despite the use of technology, the human element of performance remains important. Our system of individual electronic driver logs and ongoing review of dispatch operator performance has assisted in improving efficiency.

Driver education 

Education of drivers on environmental issues is an important part of First Direct's sustainability policy. Ongoing education at meetings and in newsletters has also raised awareness of environmental issues considerably in the company. 

Biodiesel

In 2010 First Direct became the first New Zealand taxi company to use biodiesel in day-to-day operations. Biodiesel is a blend of standard diesel with plant-sourced biofuel. In 2009, in partnership with Biodiesel New Zealand, we trialed B20 biodiesel (20% biofuel) and now use it in most of our diesel vans.

The biodiesel we use is made from a combination of recycled cooking oil and locally-grown oilseed rape (canola) crops. It does not displace food production or lessen the world's forest cover.

The Results

During our base year certification period ending 30 November 2009, our total operational greenhouse gas emissions totalled 1,325.66 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents. Our second measurement period, up to November 2010, showed a 2.9% reduction in emissions. We continue to develop initiatives to reduce our emissions. Our emissions are off-set through the purchase of hydro power carbon credits.

Download our full carboNZero certification disclosure here.

You can learn more about carboNZero here.