Choosing the right vehicle for the job makes a big difference in improving overall fuel efficiency and safety, and reducing the emissions of your fleet.
The GreenFleet Vehicle Procurement Tool (VPT) enables vehicle buyers to compare potential choices by bringing together a variety of information sources such as Rightcar and manufacturers' own data, to give an 'apples-with-apples' comparison.
Once purchased, the tool becomes an invaluable fleet database: providing fingertip access to your vehicle procurement information and sources.
The tool uses a familiar Microsoft Excel interface and has a similar look and feel to the popular ACE Carbon Calculator. It has been designed and developed here in New Zealand in partnership with EECA and Catalyst R&D.
Factors included in the evaluation are:
- Fuel Economy
- Safety for the driver and others
- Pollutants
- CO2 Emissions
What does Vehicle Procurement Tool do?
It helps you make sense of the wide range of vehicle information that is available from reputable websites such as Right Car and the Green Vehicle Guide as well as information that can be provided by vehicle dealerships. The tool helps you to weighting factors so if for example you are aiming to increase the average safety rating of your fleet, better performing vehicles will stand out more. The information is presented in graphical form as well as providing a scorecard of the results.
What the tool doesn't do!
The tool doesn't contain a database of all the information about the vehicles on the market in New Zealand but helps you gather the information about vehicles you may be interested in and understand how they compare.
When should I use it?
The tool is scaleable so it doesn't matter if you are aquiring 1 or 100 vehicles. It can be used at any time you are considering aquiring a new or used vehicle or if you would simply like to compare existing vehicles with others on the market.
Ordering Details
The tool is priced at $295.00, and Sustainable Business members receive a 10% discount. If you have any questions about ordering email mark@sustainable.org.nz or call Mark Roberts at the Sustainable Business Network, ph. 09 826 0954
Download a Demonstration Version here
How do I use it?
Using the tool: this is a simple process and provides a clear comparison of vehicles you might be considering.
1. Confirm the need to purchase a vehicle and consider possible alternative choices. Enter how far the vehicle will travel annually and how long you intend it to be in your fleet.
2. Identify the relative importance of key sustainability features. Upweight any factors that are more important to you, such as safety or emissions.
3. Specify the role and requirements for the vehicle. You can then print this section and give to suppliers, so they can search for vehicles that match your criteria. 
4. Identify performance of vehicles on key sustainability criteria. You can either ask your suppliers to find out this information, or research the sources yourself. The GreenFleet VPT features live links to expert vehicle information websites including Rightcar, ANCAP and Green Vehicle Guide.
5. Enter details of the vehicles you are considering. The GreenFleet VPT allows for 'apples-with-apples' comparison of up to 5 vehicles. 
6. Assess the weighted scores of the vehicles entered. The GreenFleet VPT has a comprehensive and easy to interpret selection of graphs and tables (shown below) to equip you with the information you need to make the best purchasing decision.
Safety and pollution
Fuel Economy
Carbon Dioxide Emissions
Weighted values for each vehicle and evaluation factor
The cumulative totals of CO2 and fuel used over the period the vehicles will be in service.
The total weighted scores the various vehicles achieved.