The Times Australia
The Times Technology News

.

Vehicle Emissions Star Rating using public data to inform consumer purchasing decisions


Global open data company Link Digital has used open source technology to develop a new Vehicle Emissions  Star Rating (VESR) website for the New South Wales Government to help drivers consider the efficiency and  environmental impact of their next vehicle purchase and reimagine a better future. 

The VESR website allows users to evaluate the carbon dioxide emissions of new and used cars, Utes and vans  dating back to 2004, and compare more than 16,000 distinct models with its straightforward six-star grading  system. The more stars a vehicle has, the lower its emissions and the more environmentally friendly it is;  electric vehicles are the cleanest light vehicles, earning a six-star rating because they emit no tailpipe  emissions.  

“The VESR website is a great example of a public program delivering public data in a manner that meets the  needs of public interest,” said Link Digital’s Chair and Executive Director, Steven De Costa.  

Link Digital uses open data to create open-source solutions that solve real-world problems and  deliver meaningful change. To create the VESR online tool, Link Digital collected data on CO2 emissions  based on a standard test that measures the amount of CO2 released per kilometre driven, as reported by all  car manufacturers to the Australian Government’s Green Vehicle Guide, and connected it with data from a  vehicle identification and specification site known as GLASS. Drupal, a free open-source content  management system, was used to design the distribution of data in an intuitive, visually appealing format. 

As well as calculating CO2 emissions from vehicle tailpipes, the VESR website enables consumers to calculate  the annual running cost of both petrol and electric vehicles, based on fuel price, model and annual travel  distance. It also provides useful information for drivers of electric vehicles, such as locations of battery  charging infrastructure and battery recycling. 

“Consumers have already been using comparison sites when considering the purchase of products and  services such as whitegoods, energy and motor insurance,” explained Mr De Costa. “Now consumers can  consider CO2 emissions and efficiency in terms of running costs in their car-purchase considerations, thanks  to a simple, visual format that will help them make informed choices.” 

“The VESR system is an example of data being used to deliver meaningful insights and tangible results to  reduce carbon dioxide emissions,” added De Costa. “We designed the VESR website to make sense of  complex data sets so consumers can extract usable information. We are thrilled to have played a role as its  developer, helping to empower consumers to make an informed purchasing decision when it comes to  consumers’ biggest financial outlay, behind the family home – their vehicle.”  

The Vehicle Emissions Star Rating (VESR) website was initiated and administered by the NSW Department of  Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water, with the website endorsed by the Commonwealth and all  Australian state and territory governments. 

Discover your car’s Vehicle Emissions Star Rating at www.vesr.gov.au 

Times Magazine

Choosing the Right Legal Aid Lawyer in Sutherland Shire: Key Considerations

Legal aid services play an essential role in ensuring access to justice for all. For people in the Sutherland Shire who may not have the financial means to pay for private legal assistance, legal aid ensures that everyone has access to representa...

Watercolor vs. Oil vs. Digital: Which Medium Fits Your Pet's Personality?

When it comes to immortalizing your pet’s unique personality in art, choosing the right medium is essential. Each artistic medium, whether watercolor, oil, or digital, has distinct qualities that can bring out the spirit of your furry friend in dif...

DIY Is In: How Aussie Parents Are Redefining Birthday Parties

When planning his daughter’s birthday, Rich opted for a DIY approach, inspired by her love for drawing maps and giving clues. Their weekend tradition of hiding treats at home sparked the idea, and with a pirate ship playground already chosen as t...

When Touchscreens Turn Temperamental: What to Do Before You Panic

When your touchscreen starts acting up, ignoring taps, registering phantom touches, or freezing entirely, it can feel like your entire setup is falling apart. Before you rush to replace the device, it’s worth taking a deep breath and exploring what c...

Why Social Media Marketing Matters for Businesses in Australia

Today social media is a big part of daily life. All over Australia people use Facebook, Instagram, TikTok , LinkedIn and Twitter to stay connected, share updates and find new ideas. For businesses this means a great chance to reach new customers and...

Building an AI-First Culture in Your Company

AI isn't just something to think about anymore - it's becoming part of how we live and work, whether we like it or not. At the office, it definitely helps us move faster. But here's the thing: just using tools like ChatGPT or plugging AI into your wo...

The Times Features

Benefits of Tree Pruning for a Thriving Australian Garden

Tree pruning is an essential aspect of garden maintenance that often doesn't get the attention it deserves. It's a practice that involves the selective removal of certain parts...

What is psychosocial therapy? And why is the government thinking about adding it to Medicare for kids?

The government is considering new, bulk-billed health checks for three-year-olds, to pick up developmental concerns and refer kids that might need additional support. The de...

Detect Hidden Water Leaks Fast: Don’t Ignore Hot Water System Leaks

Detecting water leaks early is crucial for preventing extensive damage to your home. Among the various parts of a home’s plumbing system, hot water systems are particularly suscept...

Why do hamstring injuries happen so often and how can they be prevented?

In a recent clash against the Melbourne Storm, the Brisbane Broncos endured a nightmare rarely seen in professional sport — three players tore their hamstrings[1] in a single g...

What Is the Australian Government First Home Buyers Scheme About?

For many Australians, buying a first home can feel like a daunting task—especially with rising property prices, tight lending rules, and the challenge of saving for a deposit. ...

How artificial intelligence is reshaping the Australian business loan journey

The 2025 backdrop: money is moving differently If you run a small or medium-sized business in Australia, 2025 feels noticeably different. After two years of stubbornly high bo...