ESG and Technology: Breeding Innovation

The future of transportation and mobility revolves around convenience, safety, customisation and – of course – sustainability. To optimise these aspects, data is vital. Three members of the Malta ESG Alliance explain how they are using data and technology for more sustainable transport across their businesses.

Alberta has connected its 90+ fleet to a digital platform that offers standard features like real-time tracking, fleet optimization, and vehicle telemetry (Voltage, Identification, Location, Speed, Ignition Status, etc), to enhance their fleet’s performance and reduce their carbon footprint. By monitoring driving behaviour and utilising the eco score on the platform, they can score their drivers based on specific behavioural events such as harsh acceleration, harsh braking, hard cornering, overspeeding, and excessive idling. The frequency of these events has a direct impact on fuel efficiency, and the platform calculates an overall score for each vehicle, which is clearly visible on the live tracking screen in the form of an icon.

Fleet Management Software, like the one Alberta has invested in, plays a significant role in providing valuable insights that enable companies to make informed decisions that positively impact their business and the environment.

GO has invested heavily in a number of digital tools that are contributing to greater operational efficiency, better customer experience, and a reduction in the company’s carbon footprint. One of these tools automatically schedules technicians’ appointments according to the least travel distance possible, thus creating greater efficiency in terms of time, travel distance and the number of appointments managed daily. Consequently, it saves on fuel costs as well as emissions. In instances where services cannot be installed, or the fault rectified, the system enables the provision of a loaner device that will provide an interim service. It also allows the sale of Wi-Fi pods and other service related equipment from customer premises, thus reducing the need for customers to visit GO outlets to collect and install. This has an indirect positive impact on GO’s carbon footprint. The tool gives the customer full flexibility to manage his/her appointment, therefore minimising the chance of sending a technician to a client unnecessarily, thus saving on time and emissions. This tool will be enhanced in order to manage the return of customer equipment which is scheduled for refurbishment, in line with GO’s commitment to the Circular Economy.

Research has shown that the average work commute is extended by 800m when a staff member doesn’t have a guaranteed parking space at the work place. One way in which Melita is using technology to reduce carbon emissions – and saving employee time and frustration – is by using a parking App which lets all employees and visitors pre-book a parking space when they come into the Melita Head office. The App allocates a numbered parking space, meaning no more driving around looking for a space, leading to reduced emissions and congestion. Of the Melita company vehicles, 20 per cent are electric – saving emissions on every kilometer driven – the App automatically assigns these cars a parking space with a charger. The next step? Waypooling, helping employees carpool their commute: less congestion, fewer emissions and some great team building opportunities!

These are just three ways that three Maltese companies are using advancements in technology and data analysis to drive sustainably. Digitisation will continue to be critical in shaping the future of transport and mobility, leveraging data-driven insights to optimise their fleet’s performance, reduce their carbon footprint and improve the overall customer and employee experience.

This article is part of a series of articles by MESGA members and their strategic advisors.