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

Building a Strong Online Presence with Katoomba Web Design

Katoomba web design is more than just creating a website that looks good—it’s about building an onli...

September Sunset Polo

International Polo Tour To Bridge Historic Sport, Life-Changing Philanthropy, and Breath-Taking Beau...

5 Ways Microsoft Fabric Simplifies Your Data Analytics Workflow

In today's data-driven world, businesses are constantly seeking ways to streamline their data anal...

7 Questions to Ask Before You Sign IT Support Companies in Sydney

Choosing an IT partner can feel like buying an insurance policy you hope you never need. The right c...

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 t...

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 ...

The Times Features

Do kids really need vitamin supplements?

Walk down the health aisle of any supermarket and you’ll see shelves lined with brightly packa...

Why is it so shameful to have missing or damaged teeth?

When your teeth and gums are in good condition, you might not even notice their impact on your...

Australian travellers at risk of ATM fee rip-offs according to new data from Wise

Wise, the global technology company building the smartest way to spend and manage money internat...

Does ‘fasted’ cardio help you lose weight? Here’s the science

Every few years, the concept of fasted exercise training pops up all over social media. Faste...

How Music and Culture Are Shaping Family Road Trips in Australia

School holiday season is here, and Aussies aren’t just hitting the road - they’re following the musi...

The Role of Spinal Physiotherapy in Recovery and Long-Term Wellbeing

Back pain and spinal conditions are among the most common reasons people seek medical support, oft...

Italian Lamb Ragu Recipe: The Best Ragù di Agnello for Pasta

Ciao! It’s Friday night, and the weekend is calling for a little Italian magic. What’s better than t...

It’s OK to use paracetamol in pregnancy. Here’s what the science says about the link with autism

United States President Donald Trump has urged pregnant women[1] to avoid paracetamol except in ...

How much money do you need to be happy? Here’s what the research says

Over the next decade, Elon Musk could become the world’s first trillionaire[1]. The Tesla board ...