Matthew Wright, marketing director at the Energy Saving Trust, and chairman of the judges, said: ‘The winners of our Fleet Heroes Awards demonstrate that it is possible for organisations and companies from both private and public sector to reduce their CO2 emissions and impact on the environment.

‘While the awards recognise the achievements being made, across the private and public sectors, Gateshead Council deserves special recognition. They have reduced its CO2 emissions by 300 tonnes per year and made fuel savings of £77,000. To achieve this, the council has undertaken a range of measures, from cutting mileage by 296,000 miles, to putting staff through an extensive eco-driver training programme. It is for this reason that the judges have singled out Gateshead.

‘For those organisations that wish to emulate Gateshead Council, we would encourage them to undertake a free green fleet review, as part of this the Energy Saving Trust can offer free advice, case studies and access to useful publications.’

Innovation

GoinGreen created the electric car market in the UK and now has 600 G-Wiz electric cars on the road, making it the best selling electric car in the world, and London the electric car capital of the world. Its online operating model has eliminated dealers, showrooms, car salesmen, advertising and brochures and enabled them to reduce the on the road price by at least 50% versus earlier electric cars. Its mobile servicing and maintenance service is another first, eliminating the hassle and off-road downtime associated with traditional service centre operations.

Private Sector (Under 49 vehicles)

Greentomatocars is a London based private hire car service. Unlike its competitors, it only uses the most viable environmentally friendly cars available. Its drivers are all trained in energy efficient driving techniques and all staff participate in an ongoing education programme of energy-saving behaviour and environmental awareness.

Private Sector (between 50-249 vehicles)

UK Assistance Repair Centres modernised its truck fleet and purchased a large number of Euro III compliant vehicles. They have also kept 75% of the fleet to the 7.5 tonne category to save on fuel and emissions. Finally they produce monthly league tables highlighting driver / fuel consumption

Private Sector (250+ vehicles)

The fleet department within Pertemps Recruitment has developed & implemented web based interactive fuel / journey management software, for processing all fuel purchase types - differentiating and managing business / private mileage & costs.

Public Sector (between 50-249 vehicles)

Staff within the South West of England Regional Development Agency designed and implemented a Green Travel Plan which in two years has reduced business car mileage by 16% and CO2 production by 12%. A key component is an essential car user allowance which is more generous for environmentally friendly vehicles.

Public Sector (250+ vehicles)

Gateshead Council undertook a review of its transport operations and with the introduction of green fleet management initiatives was able to achieve a reduction in CO2 in the region of 300 tonnes per annum. Its fleet was able to reduced its annual mileage by 296,000 (-7.1%of previous total). All vehicles are powered by bio-diesel at 95/5% mix with ULSD. A 12-month trial has recently been completed that should result in the council adopting a policy to operate vehicles at a mix of 80/20%. Some high profile vehicles, including the mayor’s, operate on LPG. This is in addition to operating electric vehicles where operationally suitable.

Web link: www.est.org.uk/fleet/.