Zemo Partnership launches renewable fuel scheme for fleet operators

Zemo Partnership has launched a new scheme allowing fleet operators to provide verified data on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions from the use of renewable fuels.

The Renewable Fuels Assurance Scheme (RFAS) Fleet initiative is focused on commercial vehicle fleets.

It is designed to support operators in sectors such as logistics, construction and services to demonstrate credible emissions savings to customers.

Under the scheme, operators receive a Fleet GHG Emissions Declaration — a standardised certificate providing a breakdown of fuel type and volume, feedstock origin, and well-to-wheel GHG savings linked to specific journeys.

The document is intended for customer-facing use and aims to support Scope 3 emissions reporting.

The scheme covers both direct fuel use and virtual allocation through a chain of custody model. This allows operators to attribute the environmental benefits of renewable fuels even if the fuel is not physically used at all locations, ensuring traceability and avoiding double counting.

To participate, operators must source fuel from RFAS-approved suppliers and undergo an independent audit to verify compliance. RFAS currently accredits 54 fuel suppliers in the UK and internationally.

First fleet operator approved

Gregory Distribution is the first operator to be approved under the scheme.

Paul Jefferson, group legal, risk and sustainability director, said the move supports the company's ability to provide verified carbon data to customers and reflects ongoing efforts to reduce transport emissions.

He said: "We are proud to be the first operator to be approved under the RFAS Fleet scheme.

"Being able to evidence the integrity of our carbon reporting and provide reassurance of the source of the low carbon fuels we use, is another step forwards as we support our customers with their sustainability journeys.

“Reaching this point is testament to the great work of our people and further demonstrates our commitment to being a leader in the decarbonisation of UK logistics." 

Howard Tenens, which contributed to the development of the scheme, highlighted its potential to improve emissions reporting at depots without on-site biofuel bunkering.

Anna Rickard, Howard Tenens environmental consultant, said RFAS Fleet offers a way to extend emissions savings to more parts of the fleet network.

She said: “We’re pleased to have played a part in shaping this scheme.

"Howard Tenens has been sourcing RFAS-approved biofuels for many years, and we welcome the introduction of RFAS Fleet. 

“This development can help strengthen our sustainability offering by enabling us to reduce fleet carbon emissions at locations where on-site biofuel bunkering isn’t currently possible – a challenge we’ve encountered previously.”

Zemo developed RFAS Fleet following collaboration with industry stakeholders and in response to growing demand for transparent reporting on low-carbon fuel use.

The scheme builds on Zemo’s original Renewable Fuels Assurance Scheme, which was launched in 2021 to improve the credibility of renewable fuel claims across the UK transport sector.