General News: Workshop focuses on national ecodriving schemes

Date: 02 November 2007

Ecodriving workshop to take place 22-23 November in Paris, France.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) together with the International Transport Forum will host a workshop 22-23 November in Paris, France to examine country experience in promoting ecodriving throughout the transport sector, and to explore successful practices in integrating ecodriving into national transport policies. The workshop welcomes policymakers, government officials, researchers, and representatives from NGOs and industries.

The IEA was called upon by G8 leaders at their 2005 summit in Gleneagles to advise on alternative energy scenarios and strategies aimed at “a clever and competitive energy future” and was asked, among other things, to review existing policies on vehicle efficiency and identify best practices. Driving behaviour can have a significant impact on “real” on-road fuel efficiency. For example, one estimate shows moderate acceleration would improve fuel efficiency by around 10%.

This workshop will aim to provide support for policy makers in developing and implementing schemes to promote ecodriving, a way of driving and equipping vehicles that reduces fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Findings will feed into the preparation of recommendations to G8 heads of state at their 2008 summit and serve as input to the May 2008 International Transport Forum on Energy for Transport: The Challenge of Climate Change in Leipzig.

Ecodriving in Europe
At a European level, the workshop also builds on European Commission recommendations for promoting ecodriving in the context of their February 2007 Communication on a CO2 emissions reduction strategy for passenger cars and light-commercial vehicles.

For further information, please visit the IEA website