This is why the camper holiday is the greenest of all

ROME – The camper holiday is more sustainable than the classic combined car plus hotel. The demonstration of the greater environmental compatibility of recreational vehicles comes from a research carried out by Paolo Fiamma of the University of Pisa which highlighted the low impact of itinerant tourism. The study analyzed the CO2 emissions produced by a journey of one thousand kilometers, completed in eight days by a group of four people, comparing the camper mode with that of car and hotel.

The comparison showed that the emissions produced by motorhome travel are 32% lower than the car and hotel solution. Furthermore, it was found that if the travel period becomes fifteen days, the reduction percentage rises to 56% and if the number of travelers is six, a 69% cut in emissions is obtained compared to the other combination. In short, according to the research of the University of Pisa, those who choose the camper choose a holiday that is more compatible with the environment that can become even more sustainable by following a few simple precautions.

Precisely in this sense, the Salone del Camper di Fiere di Parma, the most important event in the sector in Italy and the second internationally, offers some useful advice to motorhomers with a green heart, to travel in an increasingly eco-friendly way. With i solar panels, for example, it is possible to obtain clean energy even away from parking areas, when there is no column available. Simple to install and use, they can be mounted on the roof or used as mobile ones. For the Caravan and RV Manufacturers Association, an 80-100 W system is sufficient for those traveling mainly in the summer months, while in the winter it is better to have 125 or 140 W. Another solution are low energy consumption bulbs such as those LED now standard on the new models. The energy savings that can be obtained with the use of these bulbs is close to 95% compared to incandescent ones, 85% compared to halogen and 60% compared to fluorescent. To save precious water, on the other hand, flow limiters can be mounted on the taps or using systems that allow you to mix water and air, creating a powerful jet with less water for savings of up to 85%.

We must also remember that greater weight means greater consumption so it is good to select the one that will actually be used for the holiday avoiding unnecessary ballast. It is also advisable to leave with the water tank not completely full and fill it once you arrive, and then empty the gray water before leaving. The adoption of a smooth ride without jerks and with a constant pace will allow you to keep fuel consumption under control. And always with the aim of limiting fuel consumption, once you have reached your destination and parked the camper in a village or a rest area, you can use the bicycle to discover the various locations, in an economical, healthy and zero emissions. Finally, it should be noted that environmental pollution can be reduced by preferring air conditioners that use R32 gas, among the lowest global warming potentials (Gwp index equal to 675), while the goal is to reach a Gwp index equal to 1 within few years.