In a bid to reduce carbon emissions, enhance sustainability, and streamline fleet operations, Scutum Group UK is undergoing a transformative journey led by Asset Manager Nick Allen, who oversees the fleet, property, and procurement. Managing a fleet of 230 vehicles, Nick’s vision is to make it more cost-effective, efficient, and eventually transition to an electric/hybrid model to minimise the company’s carbon footprint.

The consolidation of twelve diverse businesses into one prompted Scutum Group UK to seek efficiencies and savings in fleet management. Recognising the potential of economies of scale, standardising fuel cards, and unifying leasing companies emerged as key strategies to leverage the collective strength of the integrated fleet.

With over £1 million worth of vehicles on the road daily, Scutum Group UK acknowledges the heightened risk and corporate responsibility associated with fleet management. To address this, the company introduced the Lightfoot unit, an analytics software device that not only provides real-time prompts to drivers, it contributes to risk reduction and duty of care, which also translates into significant fuel and CO2 savings.

The Lightfoot unit offers a visual scale to drivers, indicating their driving efficiency. The system provides alerts for aggressive driving, reinforcing the importance of courteous behaviour. The drivers’ engagement is critical to the success of the initiative, and the analytics help monitor and reward their performance. A weekly prize draw and a mini lottery create incentives, encouraging a positive shift in driving habits.

Acknowledging the environmental impact of corporate activities, Scutum Group UK emphasises its responsibility to create a better world for future generations. They recognise that corporate businesses contribute significantly to pollution and therefore aims to reduce its carbon footprint. The long-term goal is to transition to a zero-emission fleet, promoting hybrid and electric vehicles as viable alternatives to traditional combustion engine vehicles.

The decision to implement the Lightfoot system was primarily driven by the need to reduce insurance risk. Compared to other systems, Lightfoot was perceived as less intrusive, aligning with the company’s commitment to employee privacy. The software’s sustainability benefits, including an 8% carbon and fuel saving during the trial period, validated the decision and aligned with the company’s broader goals.

Driver apprehensions regarding privacy and constant tracking were initial concerns. Clear communication about the system’s purpose, emphasising risk reduction and duty of care, helped eliminate those fears. The system’s ability to send real-time alerts in case of accidents further reinforces its value in ensuring the safety of drivers working in challenging and remote conditions.

Looking ahead, Scutum Group UK envisions seamless integration of the analytics software with Project Patrick, a mapping initiative for all sites and engineers. The software will enhance scheduling efficiency, offering real-time data for optimal route planning. The company’s long-term goal is to achieve a fully zero-emission fleet, with a focus on electric and hybrid vehicles.

While the system is yet to go live, the trial phase demonstrated an 8% reduction in fuel costs and CO2 emissions. Over a five-year contract, Scutum Group UK anticipates a significant CO2 saving, equivalent to 405 tonnes. For perspective, this is the equivalent of 744 household washing cycles, 3.3 million kettle boils, or planting 4050 trees PER YEAR!

Nick encourages companies to explore systems like Lightfoot, emphasising its benefits in promoting courteous driving, risk reduction, and duty of care. Highlighting the software’s virtually self-sustaining nature and the positive impact on both the environment and operational costs, Nick sees it as a valuable investment for fleets of all sizes.

Scutum Group UK’s journey towards sustainability in fleet management reflects a commitment to responsible corporate practices. Through innovative solutions like the Lightfoot system, the company not only prioritises safety, risk reduction, and employee engagement but also contributes significantly to environmental conservation. As the company looks toward a greener future, its experiences offer valuable insights for other businesses seeking to enhance their fleet operations and sustainability practices.