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Drive to Improve Air Quality with the Eco Stars Fleet Recognition Scheme
February 2009
Care4Air is leading the way towards improving air quality with the launch of the new ECO Stars Fleet Recognition Scheme. The scheme, which is the first of its kind in the UK, recognises fleet operators who are using lower polluting vehicles and effective fuel management.
The free scheme aims to help LGV (Large Goods Vehicle), HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle), bus and coach fleet operators gain recognition for their commitment to improving efficiency, reducing fuel consumption and reducing emissions - all helping to improve local air quality. It also aims to encourage other organisations to consider investing in lower polluting vehicles.
Clipper Logistics Group, a leading independent logistics company based in Yorkshire, is the first company to sign up to the scheme. Clipper has received four stars out of a possible five star rating for overall fleet performance.
Tony Mannix, managing director of Clipper, said: “Clipper's role as an ambassador for the scheme is an important one and we look forward to many more organisations joining us. The ECO Stars initiative is a great opportunity for Yorkshire fleets to review their environmental efficiency and improve their green credentials as well as boosting their business performance. We look forward to achieving a five-star rating in the coming months.”
Each organisation signing up to the scheme will have both their individual vehicles and their overall road transport operation assessed using star rating criteria, to recognise levels of operational and environmental performance. Scheme benefits include: windscreen decals issued for each vehicle to profile efficiency and environmental credentials; and bespoke action plans developed for each scheme member to help them progress to higher ratings levels.
Every year vehicles on UK roads produce 173.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. HGVs, LGVs, buses and coaches are responsible for 29% of this amount.i By implementing the key measures in the ECO Stars Scheme a typical HGV could reduce its annual output of carbon dioxide by six tonnes and see fuel consumption fall by a minimum of 5%, saving £2,750. ii
Councilor Collin France, Sheffield Cabinet Advisor for Climate Change and Environment, said: “The ECO Stars Scheme is unique in the UK because it includes vans and lorries as well as buses and coaches. Clipper understand how important it is to run an efficient and clean fleet. Hopefully more operators will take their lead and get on board with the scheme. I urge any operators interested in the scheme to contact the team who will welcome their enquiries.”
If you are interested in finding out more about the scheme and its benefits and how to sign up, click here