The push to reduce emissions in Australia’s transport sector has gained momentum, but according to Mark Gjerek, Founder and Director of MOV3MENT, we’re still a long way from hitting our targets—and too much of the conversation is fixated on electric vehicles.
In a recent episode of the Fleet News Group Podcast, Gjerek unpacked the challenges and opportunities for decarbonising transport in Australia. As a mechanical engineer who started his career in the auto industry, Gjerek’s passion for vehicles never waned—but it has evolved. “Like many of us, I developed a bit of a social or environmental conscience,” he explained. “I thought, you know, I’ve got to do something about this… I’ve still got this passion for transport and sustainability, and I’ll just cobble them together and make a career out of that.”
Founded in 2015, MOV3MENT’s mission is to accelerate the decarbonisation of transport by working across government, industry, and fleet operators. “We’re a mission-driven company,” Gjerek said. “We work with fleets, OEMs, fuel suppliers, and governments to align strategies with measurable reductions in emissions.”
Emissions Are Still Rising
Despite widespread awareness and growing political pressure, transport emissions in Australia are still increasing. “If you look at transport overall—road, rail, marine, aviation—our emissions have been growing. They’re starting to stabilise, and maybe by 2030 they’ll come back down again,” Gjerek noted. “But right now, we’re still growing and stabilising.”
One of the positive policy developments is the introduction of a new vehicle efficiency standard for passenger and light commercial vehicles. “That’s going to start driving reductions in emissions,” he said. But heavy vehicles? “There’s really not a lot in place,” he added. “Truck emissions are going to continue rising well beyond 2030.”
It’s Not Just About EVs
Gjerek warned against focusing exclusively on electrification. “Everyone wants to talk about electric vehicles… but what’s actually the outcome?” He believes the conversation needs to shift back to emissions reduction more broadly, including efficiency improvements and fuel switching.
“Electrification isn’t the only path. In fact, it’s often the most expensive way to decarbonise,” he said. Instead, Gjerek recommends starting with low-cost, high-impact initiatives. “There are lots of efficiency improvements fleets can do right now—like using low rolling resistance tyres, improving aerodynamics, reducing idling, and training drivers.”
He cited data showing that driver training programs, when paired with reinforcement and incentive schemes, can deliver up to 20% fuel savings. “One fleet we worked with achieved an additional 3.5 to 4% saving just by sharing the cost savings with drivers.”
Barriers for Smaller Fleets
While these solutions sound simple, implementation is often complex—especially for smaller operators. “They’re just trying to keep the truck running and deliver goods,” Gjerek acknowledged. “There’s a real need for support, because energy management just isn’t a big part of how they operate.”
That’s why MOV3MENT collaborated with NatRoad to create the Get Fleet Fit program. “It’s a free resource to help fleets understand where their fuel is going and how to reduce it before investing in expensive new technologies.”
Collaboration is Key
Gjerek believes lasting change will only come through collaboration between governments, fleets, technology suppliers, and customers. He highlighted the success of the SmartWay program in the US, which has been connecting industry players for over 15 years to share data, trial technology, and build momentum.
Australia has had “a few false starts,” he said, with state-led initiatives lacking longevity. But new examples—like the precinct collaboration MOV3MENT is leading in Queensland with the Port of Brisbane and Brisbane Airport—show that coordinated action is possible. “It’s about strategic thinking and shared investment in future-ready infrastructure.”
Don’t Forget Renewable Diesel
Alternative fuels like renewable diesel are another part of the solution. “It’s a drop-in substitute that can be used in existing engines without modification,” Gjerek explained. “In the US, they’re producing enough renewable diesel to power Australia’s entire truck fleet. But here, we’re exporting the feedstocks and not producing the fuel.”
He sees promise in government policies and ARENA’s efforts to stimulate local production, but warns that “it won’t be a quick fix.”
Advice for Fleet Managers: Start Now
With many organisations facing 2030 net-zero targets, Gjerek’s advice is clear: “Put a strategy in place. Understand your current fuel use. Identify the parts of your fleet that are ready for change now.”
And don’t wait for EVs. “You can start reducing emissions today through fuel efficiency. The savings are real, and the investment is low.”
Fleet managers looking to take the first step should visit the NatRoad website and download the Get Fleet Fit resources.
As Gjerek concluded: “It’s about knowing your why, setting a plan, and taking action—bit by bit. That’s how we’ll get to a low-emissions future.”
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Listen to the full interview with Mark Gjerek on the Fleet News Group Podcast, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube. Season 4 is streaming now in 2025.
