As millennials become more and more ecologically conscious, companies around the world are looking for innovative solutions to make their vehicles more energy-efficient and promote energy efficiency and good driving habits.

In Azerbaijan, where much of the economy is heavily dependent on oil and gas revenues, the Government has demonstrated a strong interest in reducing the country’s carbon emission footprint. In line with this vision, UNDP and Azerbaijan’s State Oil Company (SOCAR) work together to make environmentally friendly driving habits through training and the application of smart technologies.

In early 2018, UNDP introduced the first eco-driving simulator, which was handed over to SOCAR’s transport fleet and within just one year will benefit approximately 1,000 drivers working in SOCAR’s transport system. International best practices suggest that drivers may be able to reduce fuel consumption by 10 to 15 percent and contribute considerably to the lowering of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in vehicles.

Speaking at the eco-driving simulator inception ceremony, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP in Azerbaijan Alessandro Fracassetti noted that the introduction of the simulator will help save up to 1 million Azerbaijani manat (about US$587,000) in total fuel consumption. He emphasized that the potential of this new driving platform is to be able to project it to the wider segments of the country and to demonstrate just how much energy you can save by driving in an environmentally conscience manner.

Vice-president of SOCAR Rafiga Huseynzadeh told journalists that the eco-driving simulator manufactured by the French company Ediser can prevent 1,500 tonnes of carbon (CO2) from being pumped into the atmosphere.

Energy efficiency is also fundamental to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined in the new global sustainable development Agenda 2030 ratified by UN Member States in September 2015. Goal 7 of this new development action plan is to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all, while Goal 13 calls for taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. Put simply, sustainable energy is opportunity – it transforms lives, enhances economies and protects the planet.