How to Track Fleet Carbon Emissions with Telematics

Want to cut fleet emissions and save money? Telematics can help you monitor, report, and reduce your fleet’s carbon footprint in real-time. Here’s how:

• What are fleet carbon emissions? They’re greenhouse gases like CO₂, produced by vehicles in your fleet during fuel combustion, idling, or inefficient driving.
• Why reduce them? Transport is the UK’s largest greenhouse gas emitter, contributing 26% of total emissions. Reducing emissions helps meet net-zero goals, avoids fines, and lowers fuel costs.
• How does telematics work? It tracks fuel use, driving habits, and vehicle efficiency using GPS and analytics, providing instant feedback to optimise operations.
• What can you track? Telematics monitors Scope 1 emissions (fuel use), Scope 2 (EV charging), and Scope 3 (supply chain impact), helping you manage your entire carbon footprint.
• What’s the impact? Companies using telematics cut idling by 40%, save up to £116 per vehicle annually, and reduce fuel costs by 10–20%.

Ready to start? Install telematics devices, collect emissions data, and use insights to improve routes, driving habits, and fleet efficiency - all while meeting UK compliance standards.

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3 Types of Emissions in Fleet Operations

Fleet managers in the UK need to keep a close eye on three specific types of emissions to get a clear picture of their environmental footprint. These are categorised as Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions, as defined by the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. Each scope highlights a different source of carbon emissions, giving businesses a structured way to identify and manage their impact through telematics systems.

"Developing a full [greenhouse gas] emissions inventory – incorporating Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions – enables companies to understand their full value chain emissions and focus their efforts on the greatest reduction opportunities" – Greenhouse Gas Protocol

This framework is vital for effective carbon management. Many organisations discover that the majority of their emissions come from areas they don’t directly control. For instance, Kraft Foods revealed that 90% of its emissions come from its value chain.

Scope 1: Direct Fleet Emissions

Scope 1 covers emissions directly linked to your fleet, such as those produced by burning fuel in company-owned vehicles [15, 17]. Every litre of petrol or diesel burned contributes to Scope 1 emissions. Telematics systems help track these emissions by monitoring fuel usage, engine efficiency, and driving behaviours like harsh acceleration, braking, or extended idling.

Reducing Scope 1 emissions often starts with addressing inefficiencies. For example, cutting back on idling time could save around £116 per vehicle annually. Similarly, optimising routes can lower fuel consumption by up to 20%, and eco-driving initiatives have been shown to reduce fuel use by as much as 10%. These measures directly contribute to reducing your fleet’s carbon footprint.

Scope 2: Indirect Emissions from Electricity Usage

Scope 2 emissions come from the energy your fleet consumes, particularly electricity used to charge electric vehicles (EVs) [15, 17, 18]. Telematics systems play a crucial role here, tracking EV charging habits and energy efficiency.

To measure Scope 2 emissions accurately, fleet managers need to consider not just the amount of electricity used but also its carbon intensity. This depends on whether the electricity comes from renewable sources or fossil fuels. By combining telematics data with your energy supplier’s carbon intensity figures, you can create detailed emissions reports and identify opportunities to reduce your impact - like scheduling EV charging during times when renewable energy is more available.

Switching to EVs can bring both financial and environmental benefits. For instance, replacing a traditional vehicle with an EV could save around £500 per vehicle and cut CO₂ emissions by 4 tonnes each year. Telematics data can help identify which vehicles in your fleet would benefit most from electrification based on their daily mileage and usage patterns.

Scope 3: Supply Chain Emissions

Scope 3 emissions are the most complex and typically account for the largest share of a company’s carbon footprint. These include all other indirect emissions within the value chain, such as emissions from vehicle manufacturing, fuel production, and supplier transportation [15, 16, 17].

While telematics might not directly measure Scope 3 emissions, it provides valuable insights into vehicle usage, supplier visits, and distribution routes. This data helps fleet managers better understand and address these emissions. A good starting point is establishing the right emissions factors and deciding on a tracking method, whether that’s spend-based or activity-based.

Although Scope 3 emissions are often the hardest to tackle, they offer significant opportunities for improvement. Telematics can guide decisions on supplier partnerships, route efficiency, and operational strategies, ultimately helping to reduce the overall carbon footprint across the entire value chain.

Setting Up Telematics for Carbon Emission Monitoring

Getting a telematics system ready for tracking carbon emissions involves combining the right hardware and software, ensuring proper installation, and understanding the data it collects. Breaking the process into steps makes it easier for fleet managers to implement.

Hardware and Software Needed for Telematics

A telematics system for monitoring carbon emissions typically includes onboard devices and a data analytics platform. The hardware components often consist of GPS receivers, connections to the vehicle's onboard diagnostics (OBD), accelerometers to track driving behaviour, SIM cards for data transmission, and various input/output interfaces. Many modern systems also feature in-cab driver interfaces, offering tools like real-time driving feedback, job management, and pre-trip inspections.

On the software side, you’ll need a platform capable of processing the incoming data and turning it into actionable insights. Open-platform telematics systems are particularly useful, as they can integrate with other hardware, software, and mobile apps, offering flexibility to customise your setup for emission tracking.

For example, GRS Fleet Telematics provides a solution that combines durable hardware with comprehensive software. Their dual-tracker technology ensures reliable data collection, and with pricing starting at just £7.99 per month, they make emissions monitoring accessible to fleets of all sizes. The growing adoption of such systems is reflected in the global automotive telematics market, which was valued at $50.4 billion in 2018 and is expected to reach $320 billion by 2026.

Once your hardware and software are in place, your telematics system can begin generating valuable emissions data.

Emissions Data Collected by Telematics

Telematics systems gather a variety of data directly related to your fleet’s carbon emissions. Key metrics include fuel consumption, idling time, route efficiency, and driver behaviour. Fuel consumption data is especially important, as it links directly to CO₂ output, helping to pinpoint vehicles or routes that consume more fuel than necessary.

Monitoring idling time is another critical aspect, as reducing unnecessary idling can save up to £116 per vehicle annually. Driver behaviour, such as harsh braking, rapid acceleration, and speeding, is also tracked, offering opportunities for eco-driving initiatives that can lower fuel use by up to 10%. Route efficiency data is equally important, as optimising routes can lead to fuel savings of up to 20%. Additionally, telematics systems can monitor engine health, tyre pressure, and battery voltage - factors that indirectly influence emissions.

"Actual, historical driving data can differ greatly from what may be reported or considered obvious without measurement. The only way to really understand your fleet is to measure and report on this data over time."
– Jean Pilon-Bignell, Public Sector Vice President for Geotab

With a clear understanding of the data collected, the next step is to install the devices in your fleet vehicles.

Installing Telematics Devices in Fleet Vehicles

Installing telematics devices is the final step to enable continuous data collection for emissions monitoring. Most modern devices connect to the vehicle’s OBD-II port, typically found under the dashboard near the steering wheel. Choosing the right device depends on your fleet’s needs, whether it’s basic GPS tracking or more advanced features like dash cameras and additional sensors. If you’re unsure where the OBD-II port is located, consult the vehicle’s manual; most vehicles manufactured after 1996 include this standard port.

To install, simply plug the device into the OBD-II port. Some devices may require an initial charge or setup before they start transmitting data. Once the hardware is connected, install the corresponding software on your computer or mobile device. This software allows you to access and manage data, set emissions monitoring parameters, and configure alerts for various metrics. Don’t forget to activate a data plan to ensure seamless transmission.

Regular monitoring is essential after installation. Review the telematics data frequently for any signs of issues and schedule maintenance based on system alerts. As Chase LeCroy, Lead Technical Program Manager at CALSTART, explains:

"Installing a data logger in a vehicle's diagnostic port helps you begin to accurately track emissions, which is a crucial first step toward reducing them."

How to Measure and Analyse Fleet Emissions

Once telematics devices are in place, the next step is turning raw data into practical strategies to cut down fleet carbon emissions.

Collecting Baseline Emissions Data

Start by establishing a baseline using telematics data like fuel consumption or mileage. This baseline helps set clear targets and track progress over time.

Tracking fuel consumption is the most reliable method for traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Tim Venghaus, Sustainability Solutions Engineer at PDI Technologies, explains:

"For traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, tracking their fuel consumption would be the most reliable way to calculate emissions. This information should be readily available if drivers use a fleet payment card or if they have a tank on-site for refuelling (or a combination of both)".

If direct fuel tracking isn’t an option, mileage data is a solid alternative. Telematics systems automatically record this information via GPS, providing precise distance measurements. By applying established emission factors from trusted sources like CARB and EPA, you can estimate emissions based on vehicle miles travelled and specific vehicle types.

For smaller fleets, balancing data collection with daily operations can be challenging. Chase LeCroy, Lead Technical Program Manager at CALSTART, highlights:

"Smaller-sized fleets may not be focusing on collecting data and tracking their emissions, given other day-to-day business needs. However, beginning to measure your current emissions is a great start".

Make sure your baseline includes all vehicles in your fleet over a consistent time frame to account for seasonal changes. A comprehensive approach ensures an accurate picture of your fleet’s overall impact.

Once you’ve established this baseline, focus on tracking the metrics that directly influence emissions.

Tracking Metrics for Emissions Analysis

To effectively analyse emissions, monitor specific metrics that impact fuel consumption and carbon output. Telematics systems provide detailed data that can uncover inefficiencies.

• Fuel consumption patterns: Real-time tracking helps identify inefficient vehicles, routes, or driving behaviours, enabling you to quickly spot trends and address issues.
• Idling time: Excessive idling wastes fuel unnecessarily. Reducing this behaviour could save up to £116 per vehicle annually.
• Driving behaviours: Actions like speeding, harsh braking, and rapid acceleration significantly affect fuel efficiency. For example, CameraMatics users saw a 37% drop in harsh braking and a 42% reduction in speeding events within 12 months, leading to lower emissions.
• Route efficiency: Analysing route data can highlight opportunities to optimise journeys and reduce unnecessary mileage. Route optimisation technologies can cut fuel consumption by up to 20%.

Additionally, on-board diagnostics can provide insights into engine hours, battery life, and other performance metrics, helping maintain vehicle efficiency and fuel economy.

With these metrics tracked, the next step is to analyse the data and set achievable reduction goals.

Analysing Results and Setting Reduction Goals

Use telematics data to identify trends and set clear, measurable targets. Trend analysis shows how your fleet’s emissions change over time, while benchmarking against similar fleets offers valuable context. Jean Pilon-Bignell, Public Sector Vice President at Geotab, advises:

"Compare your fleet against other similar fleets to benchmark and discover areas of improvement".

Set realistic goals based on your baseline data. For instance, eco-driver reporting can cut fleet fuel consumption by up to 10%, and comprehensive telematics programmes typically deliver 15–20% savings on fuel costs. TELUS, for example, integrated telematics into 85% of its fleet, improving fuel economy by over 10% while achieving sustainability targets.

Regularly review progress to ensure you’re on track. Summit Materials used telematics to close data gaps, saving $1.8 million in fuel costs while advancing its sustainability efforts.

For UK operators, advanced tools like those from GRS Fleet Telematics simplify data collection and provide real-time analytics, making it easier to manage and reduce emissions.

Focus on high-priority vehicles or routes that contribute the most to emissions. Targeting these areas first can deliver the biggest impact. Similarly, identify top-performing drivers and use their practices as a model for training others.

The key is to rely on telematics data for informed decisions rather than assumptions. Joe Ryan, Vice President and General Manager of Telematics at Samsara, puts it simply:

"The best solutions for accurate tracking and reporting against ESG goals are ones that also help you reduce the environmental footprint of your operations with real-time data and analytics".

These insights lay the groundwork for effective emissions reporting and reduction strategies.

Reporting and Reducing Carbon Emissions with Telematics Data

Real-time insights from telematics systems not only streamline reporting processes but also pave the way for effective emissions reduction strategies. By leveraging this data, fleets can ensure compliance with regulations while actively working towards lowering their carbon footprint.

Creating Emissions Reports for UK Compliance

Telematics systems gather detailed data on fuel consumption, distance travelled, and fuel types to calculate greenhouse gas emissions for fleets. This automated process not only improves accuracy and consistency but also cuts down on the manual effort required for reporting.

The UK’s regulatory landscape is becoming increasingly stringent. Non-compliance comes with hefty penalties, such as fines of £15,000 per car and £18,000 per van under the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate starting in 2025. Additionally, London's Low Emission Zone imposes charges of up to £300 daily for vehicles that fail to meet emission standards.

"Our members recognise the long-term benefits of carbon reporting and understand the need to measure CO2 emissions to provide trusted records that their decarbonisation plans are effective."
– Al Richardson, head of membership & affinities at Logistics UK.

Modern telematics systems monitor a wide range of metrics, including vehicle location, speed, driver behaviour, and engine performance. This comprehensive data allows fleet managers to create accurate emissions reports while pinpointing areas where improvements can be made.

"Creating greater transparency is the key to our approach. You cannot manage what you do not measure, and that is where our leading-edge solution comes in. We are proud to support Logistics UK in its mission to improve sustainability in the logistics sector."
– Richard Walters, senior manager at BearingPoint.

Telematics platforms can further categorise emissions data by fuel type or vehicle class, making it easier to identify specific areas for improvement. These detailed reports form the foundation for implementing targeted emissions reduction strategies.

Methods for Reducing Emissions with Telematics

Telematics data reveals multiple ways to cut emissions, making fleet operations more efficient and environmentally friendly:

• Route optimisation: Efficient route planning, aided by GPS tracking, can cut fuel consumption by up to 20%. Real-time traffic updates, weather conditions, and job requirements help ensure routes are as efficient as possible.
• Driver behaviour improvements: Monitoring driving habits such as harsh acceleration, excessive braking, and idling can lead to significant savings. Eco-driving reports alone can reduce fuel consumption by up to 10%.
• Idling management: Excessive idling wastes fuel and money. Tracking idle times through telematics can save fleets an average of £116 per vehicle annually.
• Preventative maintenance: Regular servicing ensures vehicles run efficiently. Telematics systems track maintenance schedules and monitor vehicle health, reducing emissions and fuel consumption.
• Fleet optimisation: Analysing telematics data can help right-size fleets, eliminate underused vehicles, and allocate resources more effectively, reducing overall fuel use.
• Electrification feasibility: Telematics can evaluate the practicality of adopting electric or hybrid vehicles by analysing fuel usage patterns and operational needs.

Once these strategies are in place, measuring their impact becomes essential.

Measuring the Impact of Emissions Reduction Efforts

"Actual, historical driving data can differ greatly from what may be reported or considered obvious without measurement. The only way to really understand your fleet is to measure and report on this data over time."
– Jean Pilon-Bignell, public sector vice president for Geotab.

Key performance indicators (KPIs) like total fuel consumption, carbon emissions per mile, idle time reduction, and maintenance efficiency are crucial for tracking progress. Telematics systems provide detailed metrics over time, such as total greenhouse gas emissions, miles driven, and idle hours.

Many fleets have seen substantial reductions in emissions and operating costs by systematically measuring and acting on telematics data. Regular reviews not only refine sustainability strategies but also demonstrate their effectiveness to stakeholders.

For UK operators, advanced telematics solutions, like those offered by GRS Fleet Telematics, provide the precise data needed to meet regulatory standards and achieve environmental goals. By combining real-time analytics with targeted interventions, fleets can make meaningful progress towards reducing their carbon footprint.

Conclusion: Fleet Emissions Tracking with Telematics

Telematics has become a key tool for UK fleets aiming to cut their carbon emissions while maintaining operational efficiency. By combining GPS tracking with data analytics, telematics provides real-time insights that help businesses make informed decisions, balancing environmental goals with economic priorities. These insights enable swift action and thoughtful planning to ensure compliance with regulations.

With a well-implemented telematics programme, fleet operators can make meaningful progress in reducing emissions. Connected technologies empower leaders to modernise their fleets by improving fuel efficiency, optimising routes, and encouraging eco-conscious driving habits. As Philip van der Wilt, SVP and general manager EMEA at Samsara, notes, these systems offer the data needed to create sustainable operations.

Telematics systems are especially effective at identifying inefficiencies like excessive idling or harsh driving, allowing for targeted measures that yield measurable improvements. They also facilitate better monitoring of driver behaviour, streamline maintenance schedules, and support decisions about transitioning to lower-emission vehicles.

Moreover, telematics evolves alongside business growth and regulatory changes, offering accurate, automated reporting that reduces the manual workload traditionally tied to emissions tracking.

For businesses looking to take charge of their carbon footprint, GRS Fleet Telematics provides precise monitoring and actionable insights. This technology helps achieve lasting reductions in fleet emissions while ensuring alignment with UK environmental standards.

FAQs

How does telematics support UK fleets in meeting environmental regulations for carbon emissions?

Telematics provides UK fleet operators with a practical way to meet environmental regulations by delivering real-time data on vehicle emissions and performance. By tracking key metrics like fuel consumption, idling times, and driving behaviour, businesses can pinpoint inefficiencies and take steps to minimise their carbon footprint.

Beyond monitoring, telematics plays a crucial role in improving overall efficiency. It can streamline route planning and encourage better driving practices, both of which help reduce emissions and support compliance with environmental standards. Moreover, these systems simplify record-keeping for reporting purposes, allowing fleets to avoid fines while aligning with sustainability objectives.

What are Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, and how can telematics help manage them?

Scope 1, 2, and 3 Emissions Explained

Greenhouse gas emissions are categorised into three scopes, each covering different sources of emissions that businesses need to address. Scope 1 emissions refer to direct emissions from sources that a company owns or controls, such as the fuel burned by fleet vehicles. Scope 2 emissions come from the indirect emissions generated during the production of purchased electricity, heating, or cooling. Scope 3 emissions cover all other indirect emissions across a company’s value chain, including supplier operations and employee travel.

Telematics systems can play a key role in managing these emissions. For Scope 1, telematics tools track fuel consumption and monitor vehicle performance, helping fleet managers cut emissions by optimising routes and reducing unnecessary idling. While Scope 2 emissions are less directly influenced by telematics, these systems can still provide insights into energy use within fleet operations. When it comes to Scope 3, telematics data can offer a clearer picture of supply chain logistics and transport activities, helping companies pinpoint areas where they can work with suppliers to reduce their overall carbon footprint.

How can fleet managers use telematics to track and reduce carbon emissions?

How to Use Telematics to Track and Reduce Carbon Emissions

To tackle carbon emissions effectively, fleet managers need to begin by analysing their current fleet's environmental impact. This means collecting data on key factors like vehicle models, fuel usage, and mileage. Once you have this baseline, the next step is to invest in a telematics system that provides detailed insights into areas such as fuel efficiency, driver habits, and emissions monitoring.

Driver training is another crucial piece of the puzzle. Encourage eco-friendly practices like cutting down on idling and mapping out efficient routes. Use telematics data regularly to spot patterns, optimise travel routes, and stay on top of vehicle maintenance. These actions not only help reduce emissions but also contribute to a greener, more efficient fleet operation.

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