Julie Jenner, chairman of ACFO, will be a judge for the Energy Saving Trust Fleet Hero Awards. The awards celebrate public and private organisations that are successfully reducing their fuel bills and lowering carbon footprints through fleet travel and transport policies.

Jenner said: “Cost management is a primary focus for all fleet operators, so when compiling company car and van choice lists, public and private sector organisations are focused on selecting the most fuel-efficient, low-emission vehicles.

“As a result, not only are fleet operators keeping budgets in check but they are also contributing to reducing their employer’s carbon footprint.

“The Energy Saving Trust Fleet Hero Awards celebrate the very best practice in efficient fleet management and, therefore, I am delighted to be part of the judging panel.”

ACFO is a not-for-profit members' organisation, and represents organisations - of any size or style – that conduct business travel by car or van.

The Fleet Hero awards are open to fleets of any size in the public and private sectors. The diverse range of previous winners includes construction and utilities contractors, automotive manufacturers, courier companies, government departments and agencies, NHS trusts and local councils.

The 11 categories are: Best Public Sector; Best Private Sector; Innovation in Fleet Management; Innovation in Car and Van manufacture; Innovation in Services and Systems; Industry Supplier; Leadership; Smarter Driving; Grey Fleet Management; Business Mileage Management; and Van Fleet Management.

Applying is straightforward and quick, initially requiring only a 250 word entry outlining why your organisation should win. The deadline for initial applications is Tuesday 20th September 2011.

Those applicants who qualify to enter the second and final round of judging will be notified by Tuesday 27th September 2011 and invited to submit a second, more detailed application by Friday 14th October 2011.