The Energy Saving Trust’s Green Fleet Review scheme is celebrating its first anniversary.

The Fleet Advice programme, funded by the Welsh Assembly Government aims to create a change in attitudes towards transport use in the workplace to dramatically reduce fuel consumption and cut costs.

The Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) were one of the first organisations to take advantage of this free service offered by the Energy Saving Trust by having a Green Fleet Review and supporting staff to reduce their personal vehicle use by more than 85 per cent.

Gareth Roberts, fleet manager for the Countryside Council of Wales, says: “The entire fleet review process was straight forward. The Energy Saving Trust’s service was excellent, providing us with very informative and accessible research. The changes suggested in the feedback weren’t difficult to implement and it is expected to make significant savings.”

Fleets of over 50 vehicles qualify for Green Fleet Reviews. This service provides organisations with a bespoke report that includes the fleet's carbon footprint as well as detailed findings, recommendations and forecast savings.

Helen Northmore, head of Energy Saving Trust, Wales said: “Businesses and organisations are facing challenging economic times. Reducing energy consumption by tackling the amount of unnecessary fuel we consume is an accessible and viable way to cut costs that over time will make a huge difference to any organisation’s outgoings.

“Our Green Fleet Review has been overwhelmingly successful. I urge other businesses across Wales to follow the Countryside Council for Wales’ example and get in touch with us to reap the benefit of potentially dramatic savings.”

Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones said, “I delighted to celebrate the first anniversary of this valuable initiative.

“The work of the Energy Saving Trust helps reduce our carbon footprint, in line with the goal of our One Wales programme of government.

“By getting involved in this initiative businesses and operators are able to drive 'smarter' which can improve fuel consumption by around 15 percent – useful in the current financial climate and beneficial both for carbon reduction and road safety,” said Mr Jones, who is Minister for the Economy and Transport.