Bridgestone Team  | 10 min read

Discover how the EU Taxonomy supports sustainable fleet businesses. Learn how tyre choices matter for EU operations, impacting emissions, fuel efficiency, and compliance with environmental goals.
 

As the European Union a As the European Union accelerates its push toward sustainability, the EU Taxonomy, adopted in June 2020 and in force since July 12, 2020, provides a clear framework for businesses across various sectors to contribute to a greener economy. The phased implementation began with mandatory reporting for the first two environmental objectives—climate change mitigation and adaptation—on January 1, 2022, with additional objectives introduced in 2023.

Although the UK is no longer part of the European Union, the EU Taxonomy is still relevant if you operate in the EU, deal with EU-based investors, or import fleet tyres from EU markets. Fleet businesses, in particular, are uniquely positioned to leverage the Taxonomy’s criteria to not only meet environmental goals but also gain a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving market.

This guide explores how fleet businesses can align with the EU Taxonomy and adopt greener practices, focusing on the role of tyres in achieving sustainability and compliance.
 

The EU Taxonomy is a system developed by the European Union to define which economic activities are environmentally sustainable. Its primary objective is to drive the economy towards cleaner and more sustainable practices by setting clear definitions and criteria for what constitutes "sustainable" operations. By offering transparency, it helps businesses measure and align their activities with the EU’s broader climate goals.

For fleet businesses, understanding and aligning with the EU Taxonomy is essential in ensuring that operations contribute to sustainability efforts while remaining competitive in an eco-conscious market.
 

Although compliance with the EU Taxonomy is not mandatory for all businesses yet, there are several compelling reasons for fleet businesses to adopt its principles:

• Financial Benefits: Businesses that align with the Taxonomy may benefit from access to green capital, subsidies, and grants, while those that fail to comply may face higher financing costs.
• Regulatory Compliance: As environmental regulations become stricter, businesses that embrace the Taxonomy early can reduce risks associated with non-compliance.
• Market Positioning: Demonstrating sustainability leadership can boost your reputation and attract environmentally conscious customers and investors.

For fleet businesses, embracing the EU Taxonomy means reducing carbon emissions, improving fuel efficiency, and enhancing vehicle and tyre performance, key components for operational sustainability as well as operational efficiency. 

Fleet businesses will play a crucial role in the EU’s green transition by adopting practices that align with the EU Taxonomy’s sustainability criteria. Here’s how the Taxonomy will impact fleet operations:

• Fuel Efficiency: The Taxonomy emphasises the need for low-carbon emissions, making fuel-efficient fleets a priority. Choosing vehicles and tyres with low rolling resistance has direct impact on reducing fuel consumption and minimising greenhouse gas emissions. 
• Noise Pollution: Reducing external noise is another focus area of the EU Taxonomy, as it directly contributes to environmental sustainability and public health goals. Excessive noise from fleets can harm ecosystems, disturb wildlife, and degrade the quality of life in urban areas. Fleet businesses should ensure that their vehicles and tyres meet the EU’s noise pollution standards, enhancing public health and improving the driving experience for operators.
• Lifecycle Sustainability: The EU Taxonomy promotes the use of sustainable practices throughout the lifecycle of fleet assets. This includes using retread tyres, maintaining vehicles for peak performance, and responsibly recycling components to minimise environmental impact.
• Transparency in Reporting: Large fleet businesses are required under the EU Taxonomy Regulation to disclose the extent to which their operations align with the Taxonomy’s sustainability criteria. This reporting is essential for meeting compliance obligations and showcasing environmental leadership. Tools like the EPREL database and the EU Tyre Label can assist in evaluating and documenting tyre performance, fuel efficiency, and noise standards.
  
  For small and medium-sized fleets, while reporting is voluntary, aligning with the Taxonomy can improve access to green funding and enhance reputation. Transparent reporting not only builds trust with customers, investors, and regulators but also positions fleet businesses as key contributors to the EU’s green transition.

By aligning their operations with the EU Taxonomy, fleet businesses can reduce their environmental footprint, improve operational efficiency, and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.
 

At Bridgestone, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. Our products and services are specifically designed to help fleet businesses meet the EU Taxonomy’s sustainability criteria. Here’s how we can support your green journey:

• Low Rolling Resistance Tyres: Our tyres are engineered to minimise energy loss, reducing fuel consumption and lowering emissions.
• Retread Solutions: We offer retread tyres for HGVs that extend the life of your tyres while minimising waste, helping you reduce environmental impact.
• Noise-Reducing Technology: Bridgestone’s noise-reducing tyres comply with stringent EU noise regulations, contributing to quieter, safer roads.
   

The EU Taxonomy might seem complex, but there are tools to help fleet businesses navigate compliance with ease. Here are some actionable steps to help your fleet business align with the EU Taxonomy:

• Evaluate Your Tyres: Asses your tyre portfolio against the EU Tyre Label to ensure compliance with the Taxonomy’s fuel efficiency and noise pollution standards. Our team of experts offers personalised support to guide you through the process of aligning your fleet with the EU Taxonomy and achieving sustainability goals. We are particularly equipped to partner with large fleets, offering tailored strategies and comprehensive solutions to help them meet these complex requirements effectively.
• Explore Low Rolling Resistance and Retread Tyre Options for Your Fleet: These options help reduce CO2 emissions, improve fuel efficiency, and extend tyre lifespan.
• Leverage the EPREL Database: Use this EU Commission portal to track tyre performance and verify alignment with the EU Taxonomy’s fuel efficiency and noise standards.
• Connect with Bridgestone Fleet Care: Our experts can provide personalised recommendations on how to align your fleet with the EU Taxonomy and drive sustainability in your operations.

The EU Taxonomy is a powerful tool to help fleet businesses reduce their environmental impact, increase operational efficiency, and gain a competitive edge. At Bridgestone, we are committed to supporting you on your journey to sustainability. Our innovative products and expert advice are here to help you meet regulatory requirements and achieve your environmental goals.
 

Although the UK is no longer part of the European Union, the EU Taxonomy is still relevant if you operate in the EU, deal with EU-based investors, or import fleet tyres from EU markets. While the UK government is developing its own UK Green Taxonomy it's important to keep an eye on both legal frameworks to help you ensure compliance, maintain access to green funding, and stay competitive.

 If you’re operating in the EU or importing tyres for your fleet, it’s also important to be aware of additional EU regulations such as the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which governs certain raw materials and supply chain practices.

Together, we can build a greener, more sustainable future for your business, your customers, and the planet.

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