Google Maps has begun to show the most fuel-efficient route

From obvious search engine facts to emissions reports when booking flights. A number of Google services are getting new features that make it easier for those who want to make climate-smart choices.

© Google

Google Maps will begin to inform users of the most fuel-efficient route. It was one of the headlines below Google Sustainability Event which was broadcast on Wednesday.

The company’s own assessment is that the job could lead to emissions reductions equivalent to one million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year. According to Google, this can be compared to removing 200,000 cars from the roads.

The functionality will now roll out to US Android and iOS users already, but it won’t come to Sweden until the beginning of next year.

A number of other Google services are also being updated with information that makes it easier for users to choose a more climate-friendly option.

Better cycling

Maps will also get better route information for cyclists, and information about bike pools and electric scooters available in the Maps app will appear in 300 cities around the world.

Here are some news:

• Google Flights: You can now see the carbon dioxide emissions per plane seat calculated based on the route and type of plane, among other things.
• Google search: Searches on climate change should largely yield results from reliable sources, such as the United Nations. Consumers should also receive clearer information about how energy-efficient products are when they search, for example, for white goods.
• Renovate Nest: Google’s smart home products can be set up to make sure, for example, that items or air conditioning are optimized to run at times when there is more renewable energy in the electricity mix. The service is initially only available in the United States.

Google itself previously set a goal that all company data centers and offices should be powered entirely by locally produced renewable energy by 2030. Currently, renewable energy accounts for 67 percent of electricity consumption in company data centers.