Global Fuel Economy Initiative (GFEI) helping countries to access funds for climate change action

Date: 16/5/2012

It is expected that the total fuel consumption of the international vehicle fleet will increase by more than 5% per year until 2030; more than half of the increasing vehicle fuel consumption will occur within developing countries.

There is evidence to suggest that demand for vehicle fuel economy measures is increasing, but that it can be challenging for developing countries to obtain finance to support these measures.

The GFEI (Global Fuel Economy Initiative) and TRL have developed a guidance document that informs national governments in developing, and emerging, economies about some of the current sources of international funding that are available that could be used to support efforts to improve vehicle fuel efficiency. The guidance provides a practical and concise ‘reference of first resort' for all those engaged in securing funding to promote vehicle fuel economy. In doing so it aims to increase awareness, and understanding, of the support that is available.

• The paper highlights the rationale for improving vehicle fuel economy, which includes:
• Reducing dependency on expensive (generally imported) oil
• Improving economic performance
• Safeguarding quality of life
• Safeguarding the natural environment.

It also describes the ways in which vehicle fuel economy improvements can be financed, highlighting potential funding sources for measures including:

• Maintenance and inspection policies
• Driver behaviour
• Fuel quality
• Emissions control technologies
• Advanced vehicles and fuel
• Future vehicles and fuel.

The handbook will supplement the existing in-country policy toolkit which GFEI is using to promote fuel economy policies around the world, in countries such as Indonesia, Kenya, Ethiopia and Chile (link)

Speaking on the launch of the handbook, Sheila Watson, Executive Secretary, GFEI said:

"The GFEI exists both to promote the issue of fuel economy and the benefits which can flow from it, and to support countries as they address the issue. This handbook will be an invaluable resource in that work, and we hope that many countries will use it as they seek to address this critical issue in the fight against climate change."

Notes to Editors

We face a near tripling of the number of cars on the planet by 2050, the vast bulk in emerging economies. Whilst improved mobility is essential to economic development, any gains from this growth will be offset by the negative impacts of pollution, congestion, energy and resource depletion, and environmental damage which will follow. Improved fuel economy is essential if we are to address some of these negative implications. The Global Fuel Economy Initiative (www.globalfueleconomy.org) is a partnership of the International Energy Agency (IEA), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), International Transport Forum (ITF), International Council for Clean Transportation (ICCT) and the FIA Foundation, which works to secure real improvements in fuel economy, and the maximum deployment of existing fuel economy technologies in vehicles across the world. The Initiative promotes these objectives through in-country policy support, analysis and advocacy.

For further details please contact:
Sheila Watson
Executive Secretary, GFEI and
Director of Environment, FIA Foundation
Tel: +44 (0) 207 747 5183
Email: s.watson@fiafoundation.org

Derek Palmer BA, MSoc Sc, FCIHT, FCILT, TPP
Head of Sustainable Transport Planning, TRL
Tel: +44 (0) 1344 770432
Email: dpalmer@trl.co.uk