With environmental considerations coming to the forefront when choosing a new car we take a look at the issue of the environmental labelling of cars thanks to Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI).

By choosing to purchase a more fuel-efficient car, a person can make significant savings in reduced fuel costs.

It is now mandatory under EU and Irish law for the motor industry to clearly display the fuel economy and CO2 emissions of new passenger cars, allowing consumers to make informed purchasing choices on both environmental and economic grounds.

This requires the placing of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions labels on all new cars on display for sale or lease at forecourts and showrooms. All points of sale or lease for new cars must also display posters with this information and include it in all promotional literature and material.

The regulations made in 2001 also require the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) to publish an annual guide detailing the fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions of all new car makes and models.

Ask the sales person for the Guide to Passenger Vehicles Fuel Economy & CO2 Emissions. This guide is published to provide consumers with relevant information on fuel efficiency on both urban and rural travel basis and on CO2 emissions on the purchase of any new passenger car.

The guide contains driving tips for improved environmental performance, the ten lowest CO2 petrol and diesel cars, fuel economy and CO2 emissions for all makes and models of new passenger cars.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the main greenhouse gas contributing to climate change. CO2 is emitted by the burning of fossil fuels in transport, space heating of homes and buildings and electricity generation.

When petrol or diesel fuel is burnt to power a car engine the main by products are water vapour and CO2 - about 100 kg CO2 is emitted per 40 litres of petrol or diesel.

Other detrimental "local" pollutants are also produced because the burning process is not perfect e.g. oxides of nitrogen, unburnt hydrocarbons and particulate matter. Such pollutants can adversely affect human health especially in terms of exacerbating respiratory and cardio-vascular illnesses. Local pollutants are progressively being reduced through improved engine technologies and fuel quality. There are no technical "end of pipe" solutions to CO2 emissions from vehicles - the only options are reduced driving, increased fuel efficiency and fuels with a lower carbon content.