GATESHEAD Council has been awarded the top prize at the inaugural Energy Saving Trust Fleet Hero Awards for saving 300 tonnes of CO2 and cutting mileage by nearly 300,000 miles in the last year.

Held in conjunction with Fleet News, The Guardian and The Observer, the awards recognise excellence in green fleet management.

To win the award, Gateshead Council undertook a review of its transport operations, reduced its annual mileage by 296,000 (-7.1% of previous total) and made fuel savings of £77,000. All vehicles are powered by biodiesel at 95/5% mix with ultra low sulphur diesel.

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.

It also operates electric vehicles where operationally suitable, as well as putting staff through an extensive eco-driver training programme.

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.

‘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.’

There were six award categories and one overall winner chosen from the six. The categories and winners are:

Overall Winner – Gateshead Council.

Innovation – GoinGreen.

Private Sector (under 49 vehicles) – Greentomatocars.

Private Sector (50-249 vehicles) – UK Assistance ARC.

Private Sector (250-plus vehicles) – Pertemps Recruitment.

Public Sector (50-249 vehicles) – South West of England Regional Development Agency.

Public Sector (250-plus vehicles) – Gateshead Council.

Winners at the inaugural Energy Saving Trust Fleet Hero Awards