Eco-Driving: Small Changes, Big Impact on Climate Change

Why I went green

My journey started at home, I’ve been a driving instructor for nearly 20 years but most importantly to me, I am a Mam of three amazing children.  My son was part of his school eco-council, encouraged us to look at our family’s carbon footprint. It was higher than average and a large part of that was due to the mileage I cover for work. That made me think about what I could do to change my business and become more sustainable. I did some research and that led me to offsetting emissions, switching to an electric vehicle, and teaching eco-driving skills so that learning to drive remains sustainable for future generations. I’m not on my own when looking for a greener future The UK Government has also committed that “we will be the first generation to leave the environment in a better state than that in which we found it” (Environmental Principles Policy Statement, updated January 2023).

Understanding Climate Change

Climate change is one of the biggest challenges of our time. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change describes it as:

“A change of climate which is attributed directly or indirectly to human activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere, and which is in addition to natural climate variability observed over comparable time periods.”

Put simply, climate is the pattern of weather over time, and change means something becoming different. When we talk about climate change, we are usually referring to negative changes caused by human activity and their damaging effects.

The Greenhouse Effect (and why it’s out of balance)

The greenhouse effect is a natural process that allows the Earth to stay warm. Some of the Sun’s radiation passes through the atmosphere, is absorbed by the Earth, and then re-emitted. Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane trap some of this heat, creating a stable climate.

However, human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and intensive farming, have added excessive amounts of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. This traps more heat, like a blanket, causing global warming (the rise in average global temperatures), which in turn drives broader climate change (long-term shifts in weather patterns).

The impacts are serious: rising sea levels, melting ice caps, more intense droughts, wildfires, and loss of biodiversity. Ocean ecosystems are suffering too, as about a quarter of all carbon dioxide released is absorbed by the oceans, leading to acidification and coral bleaching.

What is Sustainability?

Sustainability means meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. It’s built on three pillars:

• Economic growth – supporting livelihoods and businesses.

• Social inclusion – ensuring fair opportunities and community wellbeing.

• Environmental protection – safeguarding natural resources and ecosystems.

Getting this balance right is crucial for a sustainable economy. When resources are used wisely, long-term growth doesn’t come at the planet’s expense. For example, investing in renewable energy not only reduces pollution but also creates jobs and saves money over time.

Transport and Emissions

Transport is one of the largest contributors to climate change. Globally, it accounts for over 20% of CO₂ emissions, with road vehicles alone responsible for around 12% of greenhouse gases. In the UK, transport is responsible for 27% of emissions—the single largest sector.

Electric vehicle (EV) sales are rising fast, but there’s a long way to go. To hit the target of net zero by 2050, at least 60% of road transport must be electric by 2030. Until then, eco-driving is one of the fastest and most effective ways we can cut emissions.

What is Eco-Driving?

Eco-driving is about adopting smarter driving habits that reduce fuel and emissions. Some simple techniques include:

• Smooth acceleration and braking instead of aggressive driving.

• Keeping to a steady speed on motorways and the use of cruise control when safe.

• Avoiding unnecessary idling.

• Keeping vehicles well maintenance (tyres, servicing, engine checks).

• Planning journeys and anticipating hazards early.

One driver and one instructor making these changes may not seem like much but multiplied across millions of drivers, they create a big impact. With around 40,000 driving instructors currently on the DVSA register, teaching eco-driving to new learners is a practical way to shape the future of driving and reduce our collective carbon footprint.

Why Eco-Driving Matters

Eco-driving helps protect the environment, saves money, and improves safety. Smoother driving saves fuel and costs, better anticipation reduces incidents and crashes, and lower emissions mean cleaner air.

For driving instructors and businesses, the benefits are even greater. By running lessons more sustainably, schools can:

• Lower running costs.

• Build stronger reputations by showing commitment to the environment.

• Prepare for the UK’s Net Zero 2050 target, which will increasingly shape how businesses operate.

• Access government support such as green finance, grants, and sustainability guidance (UK Government: Go Green, Save Money).

  

A Sustainable Future, One Lesson at a Time

Climate change can feel overwhelming, but real progress often starts small. For instructors and trainers, it’s integrating eco-driving into every lesson and showing learners how to save fuel through anticipation. For businesses, it’s embedding sustainability into daily decisions. For families, it’s reducing waste, recycling, or switching to cleaner energy.

It’s not about perfection, it’s about progress. Every conscious choice, no matter how small, does make a difference.

Together, we can work towards a more sustainable economy that supports growth, protects our environment, and creates a safer, cleaner future for generations to come.

Vicky Folland M.Inst.IMTD – Vicky’s Driving Tuition – Eco Driving for a Sustainable Future