Articles

Council to reduce waste fleet vehicle CO2 Emissions by 90% with cleaner biofuel

Date Posted: 12:42 PM on Thu, 23 March 2023

Gedling Borough Council has announced that its waste vehicle fleet will be using greener, biofuel instead of diesel, as part of a pioneering initiative that aims to reduce the CO2 emissions of the fleet by 90% and promote environmental sustainability.

The change of fuel use will enable the council's waste and recycling service to focus on resources that can help reduce CO2 emissions and encourage sustainable behaviour. It is expected to provide a cleaner working environment for staff, reduce fuel usage and minimise pollution and waste. In line with the council's pledge to become net zero carbon by 2030, the scheme is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90%, Nitrous Oxide emissions by up to 27% and Particulate Matter emissions by up to 84%.

The fuel replacement scheme involves the use of 100% renewable and sustainable paraffinic fuel, which is manufactured from waste products and has been approved by central government as an alternative fuel to diesel. The fuel is compatible with all modern diesel engines and existing fuelling structures, without any additional costs.

Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke MBE said:

"We are very proud to launch this pioneering new scheme to replace the diesel used in our waste vehicles, with a cleaner more sustainable fuel, which aligns with our commitment to become net zero carbon by 2030 and our commitment to the environment and the health of our community. By reducing our CO2 emissions by 90% and promoting sustainable behaviour, we are setting an example for our borough and contributing to a cleaner, healthier and greener Gedling.

We must act now if we are going to meet the target we set when we declared a Climate Emergency in November 2019."

Councillor Ron McCrossen, Portfolio Holder for Environment said:

“This is a real game changer in terms of the council working toward its ambitious target to become net zero carbon by 2030 and it’s also setting an example for other businesses as, quite simply, we cannot do this alone. We believe we are the first council in Nottinghamshire to have converted to this type of biofuel and it shows just how committed we are to creating a cleaner, greener Gedling.”

For more information about the council’s commitment to become net zero carbon by 2030 visit www.gedling.gov.uk/climate-change