According to Google, drivers are actively using its feature in Google Maps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from their trips. In late 2021, Google introduced a tool that allows users to see the most fuel-efficient routes, and this feature has already helped prevent approximately 1.2 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, according to the company’s latest environmental report. Google estimates that this is equivalent to taking 250,000 gas-guzzling cars off the road for a year.
Originally launched in the United States, the fuel-efficient routing tool is now available in other countries such as Canada, Egypt, and nearly 40 countries in Europe. Google utilizes a machine learning model to predict which route is the most fuel- or energy-efficient and recommends it to Maps users. If the most fuel-efficient route is also the fastest, Google Maps will default to that option. In order to provide more accurate predictions, users can also input information about their car’s engine type (gas, diesel, hybrid, or electric) into the app.
Google acknowledges that taking public transit, biking, or walking are still more environmentally friendly options, and it is actively working on making Maps more user-friendly for these modes of transportation. In November, Google introduced a “Live View” augmented reality feature in some major cities to make Maps more immersive. Additionally, it updated Maps with a filter to help electric vehicle drivers find fast chargers.
Google’s analysis shows that many drivers are indeed choosing the least polluting routes for their cars. To calculate the emissions prevented, Google compared the fuel likely consumed on the routes driven by Maps users to the fuel that would have been consumed if they had taken the fastest route without the fuel-efficient routing tool. The analysis found that drivers using the tool saved 1.2 million metric tons of CO2 emissions between October 2021 and December 2022.
This effort is part of Google’s larger goal of helping a billion users make more sustainable choices through its products by 2022. The company’s environmental report also highlights the energy savings achieved through its Nest smart thermostats. Google estimates that Nest thermostats saved more than 113 billion kWh of energy and 36 million metric tons of CO2 emissions between 2011 and 2022. In fact, in 2022 alone, Nest thermostats helped users conserve more energy than Google itself consumed.
However, it’s important to note that Google’s carbon footprint remains substantially larger than that of an average household. In 2022, the company emitted more than 10.18 million metric tons of CO2, which is equivalent to the pollution from over 25 gas-fired power plants in a year. While Google’s emissions have decreased from 13.6 million metric tons in 2018, the company still has a long way to go to achieve its goal of reducing emissions by 50% by 2030.
In conclusion, Google’s fuel-efficient routing tool in Google Maps is proving to be effective in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles. The tool has already prevented a significant amount of carbon dioxide emissions, and its availability in multiple countries allows more drivers to make sustainable choices. However, Google acknowledges that there are still more sustainable alternatives to driving and continues to work on improving Maps for other modes of transportation. Additionally, the company’s environmental efforts extend to its Nest thermostats, which have achieved significant energy savings. While Google’s own emissions remain high, the company is committed to reducing its carbon footprint in the coming years.
