Motor Vehicle Apprentices take part in Nationwide Carbon Footprint Research Programme

Motor Vehicle Apprentices at Braintree College have collected important data that will contribute to a nationwide carbon footprint research programme. The Level 2 and Level 3 Apprentices ran emissions tests on six cars in the motor vehicle workshop to analyse and measure the efficiency of fuel injectors and the effect on emissions and engine performance before and after the injectors had been cleaned.

The carbon footprint programme is being led by Hertfordshire based company ‘ASNU’; the company has over 20 years’ experience in the diagnostic testing of fuel injection systems in the UK and uses a patented ultrasonic cleaning process to get fuel injectors performing as if they are as good "as new" (ASNU).

Bob Hopkinson, Sales representative at ASNU, said: "The accuracy of the emissions tests and measurements is essential to the success of this programme. Braintree College is one of only 18 colleges taking part, which indicates the importance of the research and the standard of work required. We know the environmental impact of fossil fuel emissions in terms of pollution and global warming is an ongoing environmental issue. Our aim with the programme is to work in conjunction with colleges across the UK to find out how bad the level of pollution is from car exhausts and to show that it is possible to clean up emissions and improve engine performance, and that there are economic benefits."

Roger Friend, European Technical Sales Manager at ASNU, said: "The students’ data and our overall findings will be presented in a report that will inform environmental agencies, government bodies, the national press, motoring journals and vehicle manufacturers. We hope that by educating everyone and increasing awareness of the problems we can work together to make improvements in motor vehicle engine efficiency that will have long term benefits to the environment and to future generations."