Our first Newsletter of the year is out!

Aiming to be the best government agency in sustainability

Statens vegvesen (SVV) has set an ambitious goal: to become the best government agency in sustainability. Well underway, they have seen the importance of correct data and anchoring throughout the organization.?

- When 25 percent of the car fleet is to be reduced, it is crucial to have a solid database for making the right decisions," says the senior advisor for The Norwegian Public Roads Administration, Andre Kempe.?

?Because it was precisely the number 25 that came up after consultants were hired to look at the use of the cars, such a large percentage of the car fleet could be removed or scaled-down, as many cars were used too little.????

- This wasn't really surprising because the data had already shown us that. But we needed more than data, says Kempe.?

Sindre R?stad, a senior advisor at The Norwegian Public Roads Administration, explains further.?

-We have previously tried to remove unnecessary cars, but now we saw that we need both data, i.e. to know where we are, and an anchor with management. That you really want to address a problem. Now we had both. This is essential to achieve sustainable solutions, and the work on phasing out fossil cars is already well underway.?

In addition, part of SVV's overall sustainability strategy is to reduce energy consumption by 20 percent by 2023.?

?- We use the same amount of electricity as a small city, and it is obvious that this is not sustainable in the long run. We need to include all relevant factors and clean up our own notes and processes. It is a collective effort to achieve our goals, says Sindre R?stad.?

Morgan Kittilsen , Head of Sales Fleet & Asset Tracking Solutions at GSGroup, says they see that more people are keen to document their own environmental footprint.?

- The motivation may be different. Whether it is a requirement in their internal environmental policy or companies that provide services to the public sector, we have, in the last couple of years, noticed an increased focus on solutions that can document, among other things, CO2 and KW consumption.?

Part of the problem and the solution?

By addressing the challenges internally and implementing changes based on insightful analyses, SVV can become a beacon for other organizations that want to follow the same path towards sustainability, R?stad hopes.?

- It's not always easy to admit that you are part of the problem, but we are. It's not until you see where you are that you can figure out where you're going and how to get there.?

Kittilsen at GSGroup notices that SVV has focused on changing its environmental profile and thinks it is commendable that such a major player is leading the way.?

- We have had good cooperation with the Norwegian Public Roads Administration for several years. The starting point for the project was electronic travel lo, but gradually the focus has also changed to be able to go more in-depth on the collected data and analyze the use of the car fleet, Kittilsen says.?

SVV has taken several initiatives that do not only apply to the vehicle fleet and electricity consumption in general. Reuse of furniture, workwear and a more thorough control of waste management are some other areas they have taken action.?

- Social sustainability is also an important aspect, with several sub-goals and elements that contribute to a holistic approach, says R?stad.??

Transition to electric vehicle fleet and range anxiety?

SVV has achieved significant milestones, including being the first company in Norway to take concrete steps towards sustainability within the vehicle fleet. They have won awards for green efforts, and the ambition is to become the best government agency in sustainability. R?stad also reflects on the challenges.?

- We represent part of the problem with emissions, but no other government agency has come as far as us on sustainability. We must have ambitions to use our purchasing power to make a difference and inspire others.?

- Within the vehicle fleet, we have encouraged the use of Nordic Swan eco-labeled washing stations, and we have entered into a cooperation to realize this. SVV has taken a leading role in implementing sustainable measures within the car fleet, and we have ambitions for all our cars to be electric by 2026, says R?stad.?

A collaboration between SVV and GSGroup has been crucial in achieving these goals. Data has been a key resource for understanding vehicle use and taking effective action, says Kempe.?

? - We initially saw that more people were skeptical about switching to electric cars. Here, too, data became crucial. Some were simply worried about not getting from A to B and back. The data, on the other hand, showed that our cars rarely move over such great distances that it should be a problem. When it comes to partnering with GSGroup, data-driven sustainability is a key part of the strategy for 2023 and the years ahead.?

- Focus on the use of our fleet products in combination with the environment and economy, has also given us valuable knowledge that we can pass on to other companies and organizations with large car fleets. At the same time, we should not forget that our solutions have no limitation in the number of objects, whether the customer has few or many, says Kittilsen at GSGroup.?

When asked what it takes to be successful in their sector, SVV emphasizes the importance of having sustainability as a central focus. While challenges such as accessibility and safety are important, they argue that sustainable initiatives can no longer be postponed. SVV will continue to use data to drive sustainable decisions and lead the development of environmentally friendly practices.?

Stolen Range Rover Sport Found in Underground Parking Garage

A stolen Range Rover Sport, valued at 50,000 Euros and from 2015, was recovered in an underground parking garage in Gothenburg, thanks to the efforts of our dedicated search team and three radio technologies.?

The vehicle was reported stolen from Limhamn in Sweden, and upon receiving the theft report, the search team initiated an operation to locate the stolen vehicle. After analyzing the data, they determined that the car had been driven northward, providing the basis for an extensive search in the area.?

A Challenging Operation?

The search, however, proved to be challenging as the thieves attempted to conceal the vehicle. Nevertheless, with the assistance of radio technologies, the team successfully tracked down the car to a garage outside the center of Gothenburg.??

Read more about how our three radio technologies give us a head start in the hunt for stolen objects.

- Once we obtained the vehicle's position, we immediately contacted the police, who swiftly responded to the scene. After confirming that it was indeed the stolen Range Rover, it was taken away by the police for further technical examinations, Per Waldemar Simonsen , Division Director in Fleet and Asset Tracking at GSGroup.?

The successful recovery is evidence of the growing significance of advanced technology in combating crime.?

Read more about how the search for stolen Range Rover exceeded all expectations.

- We consistently witness a cat-and-mouse game in these situations. Thieves transport the vehicles a considerable distance?and hide them as well as possible to test if anyone attempts to find them again. Our three radio technologies provide a unique opportunity to locate over a broader area, narrow down, and provide an exact location. We are proud to once again recover stolen items and thank the police for their collaboration, Simonsen says.?

The backbone of the free movement of goods: the crucial role of transport in our daily lives

From medicine to food, makeup, and more, the transport industry plays a key role in a complex web of global trade.??

Each shipment has embarked on a journey by truck, directly to the customer, or via a ship and plane. The transport sector is the heart of our interconnected world, ensuring a steady flow of goods from producers to consumers, Allan Thomsen Thomsen, Sales Director Scandinavia in GSGroup, says.??

However, responsibility for a well-functioning transport sector goes beyond the boundaries of individual transport companies. It involves a collective effort from manufacturers, suppliers, and logistics partners. (The efficiency of the transportation system directly affects the availability and affordability of products for consumers.

- All stakeholders must recognize their role in shaping the future of the transport sector. Collaboration is key to overcoming challenges such as capacity shortages, meeting congestion, emissions (CO2 footprint), infrastructure, and securing necessary data and documentation, Thomsen says.?

Contributing to a sustainable and efficient transportation ecosystem by providing the right data.?

As awareness of transportation's environmental impact grows, many companies are reassessing their supply chain practices. Demands are made by our customers' customers for sustainable transport solutions, such as electric cars and optimized route planning. Driving behavior becomes an integral part of a forward-looking transport strategy. This shift not only benefits the environment but also increases the overall efficiency of the supply chain.?

- The future of the transport sector lies in embracing technological advances and sustainable practices. Companies that invest in eco-friendly solutions not only contribute to a cleaner planet but also ensure the longevity and resilience of their business operations, sales director Thomsen adds.?