Having implemented a range of measures that achieve the triple benefits of
cutting carbon dioxide emissions, reducing mileage and saving money, award-winning
Gateshead Council is in the vanguard of innovative fleet management.
Gateshead has been so successful in improving fleet operating efficiencies that
the council has become a leader for environmental best practice in both the
public and private sectors.
It is this long-term commitment to reducing carbon emissions and improving
environmental performance that encouraged the council to join the Energy
Saving Trust’s Motorvate scheme. Organisations in the re-launched Motorvate
scheme undergo an assessment by the Energy Saving Trust’s accreditation
department in order to be awarded bronze, silver and gold status.
Implementing a variety of innovative initiatives has led to success at the Energy
Saving Trust Fleet Hero Awards – Gateshead were named Overall Winner in
2006 and Runner Up in the Medium Fleet category in 2007.
Motorvate provides fresh thinking
Transport was a key feature of Gateshead Council’s environmental strategy,
which was launched in the late 1990s to demonstrate best practice to local
residents, businesses and other authorities. Initially the focus was on using
liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) vehicles, biofuels and introducing measures to
cut fleet mileage.
These initiatives were paying dividends but, determined to go a stage further,
the council was looking for new ideas and fresh thinking. It was at this point
that that Transport Services Manager, Brian Barnes, decided to sign up to the
Motorvate scheme.
Providing specialist advice, annual auditing of vehicle emissions and
opportunities to network with other organisations, the scheme provides
essential support in achieving specific carbon reduction targets.
A far reaching carbon reduction strategy
While being part of Motorvate Gateshead Council have reviewed all aspects
of their transport operations. Implementations include:
-
Trialling biodiesel alternatives to traditional diesel
- Converting 10 per cent of the fleet to LPG
- Introducing electric vehicles in council parks
- Limiting all vehicles to a maximum of 56 mph
- Selecting vehicles based on low CO2 emissions
- Fitting low rolling resistance tyres on vehicles where applicable
- Introducing environmentally friendly pool cars fitted with ‘stop start’ technology
- Encouraging staff to travel to work by public transport, bicycle or car share
- Annual on-the-road training for drivers
- Promoting smarter driving with the support of the government’s Safe and
Fuel Efficient Driving training programme
- Journey planning and vehicle operation analysis
Fuel bills cut by £100,000 a year
This plethora of measures has resulted in the council slashing its annual fuel bill
by £100,000 between 2005 and 2007. With fuel prices continuing to escalate,
Gateshead Council expects those savings to increase.
Carbon reduction has also been impressive with emissions cut by 300 tonnes
per year. In addition, the four million miles driven annually have been reduced
by 300,000, despite vehicles being added to the fleet.
The journey continues
Gateshead Council is continuing to accelerate its environmentally-friendly
transport programme and will be turning the spotlight onto its grey fleet.
This element of the fleet currently accounts for over one million miles a year.
Best practice initiatives such as provision of pool car vehicles, journey planning,
encouraging the use of low carbon vehicles and eco-driving techniques will be
extended to the more than 100 employees, including those that receive car
allowances and casual car users.
The ’green’ transport message doesn’t just apply to council employees; the
philosophy is extended out into the local community with information and
advice provided at numerous events. Gateshead Council has also volunteered
to become a test bed for new vehicle technologies, taking part in the
Government’s Low Carbon Transport Innovation Strategy for public sector fleets.
Cash released for improving services an inspiration to others
Gateshead Council’s successes in improving the environmental performance
of its transport operation has been recognised by other local authorities in
North East England (jointly running about 11,500 vehicles), and they are now
following its lead.
Mr Barnes commented that the council’s achievements have grabbed local
newspaper headlines, resulting in numerous privately owned companies
contacting the council seeking information and advice.
He said: “By reducing the effect that our fleet has on the environment we
are also realising the joint benefit of spending less money on fuel. This saving
will jointly benefit Gatesheads residents and businesses.”
“It is essential that we balance the environmental and economic gains with
the overall cost of the initiative to ensure we provide value for money.”
“We must always balance environment and economic gains with what the
initiatives cost to implement because we can’t increase residents’ council tax bills.”
Referring to the advice and help received through Motorvate from the Energy
Saving Trust, Mr Barnes said: “The Energy Saving Trust has become our critical
friend because their consultants can take a completely fresh view on what we
are doing and recommend new methods.”