Environmentally friendly routes: The way we travel has a direct impact on global warming. Aware of this issue, Google Maps has released a new feature: “green” routes. Routes with the lowest CO2 emissions!

Environmentally friendly routes: Fuel-efficient routes

When we make long journeys, such as going on holiday for example, it is normal to take the car if we can. In order to reduce our fuel consumption, Google Maps promotes fuel-efficient routes. 

On their blog, Google France gives the example of a journey between Limoges and Bergerac. By adding 10 minutes to the travel time, you can save up to 30% of fuel. A choice now available in France and in nearly 40 European countries. You can also indicate your fuel type: petrol, diesel, electric or hybrid. Maps also takes the relief of the road, the presence of slopes for example. 

For this, Google has drawn on numerous American and European databases. Indeed, “green” routes have already proven their effectiveness. Available in the United States, Canada and Germany, more than 500,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions have been avoided, the equivalent of 100,000 fewer combustion engine cars! To select this type of journey, simply click on the little green leaf.

Good news for the planet, but also for our wallets. By consuming less fuel, the petrol budget is also reduced for each individual. 

Environmentally friendly routes: opt for electric cars or eco-responsible hotels!

Reducing your CO2 emissions by saving fuel is not the only solution to global warming. Google Maps offers a multitude of transport options and makes it easy to use them.

Go electric

• If you have an electric or hybrid car, typing “charging station” in the search bar will show you the nearest socket, the type of connection and the charging speed. Depending on the station, the application can tell you the number of sockets available to avoid a long waiting time. You can benefit from financial aid from the French government when you buy an electric car! Don’t hesitate to check if you are eligible. 

Switch to two wheels 

• Why stay in a car when you can get some fresh air and ride a bike or scooter? Google Maps shows routes specifically for bikes. Bike lanes, traffic density, presence of stairs, slopes. And if you don’t have a bike, the app will show you the nearest self-service bike and scooter location. 

Public transport made easy

• When travelling in a foreign country, it’s not always easy to understand the different means of public transport: the application is not easily navigable, you don’t speak the language or you don’t understand the map. Maps offers bus, train, metro, and even ferry routes! Just type in your destination and the app takes care of the rest. Busy times, weather conditions and wheelchair accessibility. 

Eco-friendly hotels

• If you are travelling and looking for accommodation, Google Maps will show you the most eco-friendly hotels. Hotels that have received certification from independent organisations such as Green Key or EarthCheck. Depending on the hotel you choose, you can also look at the details of the actions taken to fight global warming. 

From waste management to energy efficiency to drinking water conservation!

So go on holiday with peace of mind. With just one click, you will have all the information you need to make a low-carbon trip. 

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