Under Action 5 of Ireland’s Road Haulage Strategy 2022-2031 the Department of Transport committed to ‘Establish a national certification/accreditation system, for eco-driving courses’. Eco-Driving techniques reduce fuel consumption and emissions and reduce maintenance costs which can result in significant savings for haulage and road freight companies, who frequently operate on tight margins. Moderating speed and driving smoothly, can also reduce the risk of accidents and promote the safety of drivers, their vehicles and other road users.
Following a competitive procurement process, the Chartered Institute of Logistics Ireland was contracted to prepare a national standard for eco-driving courses in Ireland. The draft standard was subject to consultation with stakeholders in two steps before being finalised at the end of October 2024. The final approved standards are now available to view. They specify requirements for HGV Eco driving coaching programmes aimed at improving driving efficiency and reducing environmental impact through reducing fuel consumption, energy management & maintenance efficiencies. The standard covers aspects of coaching delivery, safety protocols, performance measurement, follow-up support, driver training and coaching, assessment, and approval.
Training providers that are interested in learning more about how Eco-driving courses can be assessed against the standard can contact the Chartered Institute of Logistics Ireland at info@cilt.ie
