The world is in a state of climate emergency.
The importance of tackling climate change has arguably never been higher.
In Europe especially, the European Commission has focused on climate as a key action point for emerging technologies.
Cities are also building more infrastructure to support greener modes of travel.
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This is where data-driven tech startups are doing their work.
Take the quality of roads.
You likely never stop to think about how the road surface itself is responsible for greenhouse gas emissions.
But research has found thatpoorer road surfaces lead to increased emissions and worse fuel economy.
This isnt important just for combustion engines, but also electric cars.
If roads are smoother and better maintained, all forms of on-road transport will move around with greater efficiency.
Roads that are proactively maintained would avoid these instances, and save the motor industry millions.
In doing so, its ensuring that roads dont become an unnecessary cause of increased greenhouse gases.
RoadEO is not alone in this space.Altaroadis attempting to tackle the same problem too.
Gathering this kind of data allows Altaroad to interpret when roads are wearing down and need maintenance.
It can also understand if vehicles like haulage lorries are unbalanced.
An unbalanced load can prematurely wear tires, which can lead to excessive fuel consumption or even unexpected blowouts.
It can also cause inconsistent damage to roads as the carriageway is subject to more weight than the other.
It has the potential to save immense amounts of time and money.
But the knock-on effect is lowered emissions and increased efficiency when traveling by road.
What about the people that use them?
Burning less fuel means fewer emissions and less pollution.
But the difficult bit is getting people to act responsibly, and to drive economically.
It can get people hypermiling without even realizing it.
Among OSevens list of clients are insurance companies, rental and leasing companies, and ride-sharing services.
The side effect is that they use less fuel and produce fewer emissions.
Leasing companies are also making use of this technology too.
Businesses could do better
Data-driven startups are using data to help improve the efficiencies of businesses too.
Delivery and ecommerce companies that transport goods by road can make significant cost savings if they employ similar technologies.
Its safe to say then that our delivery systems could do better.
In theory, it saves time, money, and CO2.
Its also way more convenient than having to stay home.
The options explored here are far from exhaustive.
Story byMatthew Beedham
Matthew is the editor of SHIFT.
He likes electric cars, and other things with wheels, wings, or hulls.
