Environmental & Sustainability Policy
Last updated
Chauffeur travel has an environmental cost and we would rather describe it honestly than dress it up. This policy sets out what we do, what we are working on and what we do not claim.
These policies are published in good faith and describe how Executive Chauffeurs UK works in practice. They are reviewed annually and reissued sooner where our operation or the law changes; the date at the head of each page shows when the current version was issued. If anything here is unclear, or you need a detail that is not published, our client service desk will answer on WhatsApp at +44 7775 554848 or through the contact page.
1. Our position
Our principal environmental impact is the fuel and energy used by our vehicles, followed by the manufacture and disposal of those vehicles and their consumables. Everything else, including the office and the website, is small by comparison.
We are committed to reducing that impact where reduction is genuinely achievable, and to being accurate about progress. We make no claim to be carbon neutral, and we do not describe individual journeys as green or zero emission.
Responsibility for this policy sits with the director responsible for environmental matters. It applies to our own operations and informs what we expect of suppliers and partner operators.
2. Legal and regulatory compliance
We comply with the environmental legislation applying to our operations, including emissions and roadworthiness requirements, the vehicle standards set by the authority that licenses us, and the duty of care for waste under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Our vehicles meet the emissions standards required for the zones in which they operate, including the London Ultra Low Emission Zone and the clean air zones operating in other UK cities. Where a charge applies to a journey it is passed on at cost and itemised rather than absorbed silently.
Where a route can avoid a charging zone without adding meaningful distance or journey time, we will plan it that way and tell you.
3. Fleet and emissions
Fleet renewal is the single most effective action available to us, and emissions performance is a stated criterion whenever a vehicle is replaced. Our direction of travel is toward hybrid and fully electric vehicles in the classes where they meet the standard of comfort, range and luggage capacity that the work requires.
Electric vehicles are offered where the class, the route and the charging infrastructure make them a sound choice. We will say plainly when an electric vehicle is not suitable for a particular journey, for example a long rural transfer with a large luggage load, rather than accept the booking and manage the problem on the day.
Vehicle class is confirmed at the time of booking; the specific model remains subject to availability. Where an electric or hybrid vehicle has been specifically requested and confirmed, we will tell you in advance if it cannot be provided.
4. How we operate
- Routing to reduce distance and avoid stationary congestion, which lowers both emissions and journey time.
- Consolidating journeys and reducing empty running by planning return and onward legs together.
- Discouraging prolonged idling while waiting, using cabin pre-conditioning only for the period needed.
- Monitoring tyre pressures at the daily walk-round, since underinflation raises consumption measurably.
- Servicing to schedule so that engines and emissions systems run as designed.
- Smooth, anticipatory driving, which is both the most comfortable way to carry a passenger and the most efficient.
5. Resources and waste
Waste oil, filters, batteries and tyres are handled through licensed waste carriers by the garages that service our vehicles, and we retain the transfer documentation that the duty of care requires.
Valeting uses water-efficient methods where available, and we prefer suppliers who reclaim water and use products with lower environmental impact. Single-use plastics in vehicles are being reduced, and bottled water is offered only where a passenger has asked for it.
Office operation is largely paperless: quotations, confirmations, invoices and manifests are handled digitally, which also reduces the number of printed documents carrying passenger detail.
6. Suppliers and partners
Environmental performance is one of the factors we weigh when selecting garages, valeting providers, leasing companies and partner operators, alongside quality, licensing and cost.
Partner operators used to cover journeys are expected to meet the emissions standards required for the zones concerned. We do not pass work to an operator whose vehicles would not be compliant on the route we have quoted.
7. What we measure and what we do not claim
We record fuel and energy purchased, mileage by vehicle, and the proportion of journeys completed in hybrid or electric vehicles. These are the figures we can evidence, and they are the basis for any statement we make about progress.
We do not publish a carbon footprint we have not measured, and we do not describe the business as carbon neutral, net zero or climate positive. Where offsetting is arranged for a client, we will name the scheme and the standard it is certified to rather than describe it in general terms.
This policy is reviewed at least annually and whenever the composition of the fleet changes materially. Comments on it are welcome through the contact page or on WhatsApp at +44 7775 554848.