New software can help reduce Asia's truck emissions, group says

Feb 8, 2012, 10:50 GMT

Manila - Trucking companies in Asia can reduce their fuel consumption with the help of a computer software developed by a non-government organization promoting clean air, the group said Wednesday.

'Freight is the backbone of economic trade in Asia and by 2050 Asia will account for 29 per cent of the global truck travel activity,' the Clean Air Initiative for Asian Cities said at the Manila launch of the Green Trucks Toolkit, a programme based on Microsoft's Excel software.

'Higher fuel use translates to higher levels of particulate matter and carbon dioxide emissions which impacts human health and contributes to global warming.'

The programme can estimate a truck fleet's emissions and determine efficiency indicators such as emissions and fuel consumed per ton-kilometre, according to the Clean Air Initiative.

The software then evaluates strategies including eco-driving, idling reduction, tyres with lower rolling resistance, and emission control devices.

'The potential to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions is enormous, yet truck companies often lack information on technologies and strategies to make their operations greener and more efficient,' said Sophie Punte, executive director of Clean Air Initiative-Asia.