About ECO Stars
How members are assessed
The assessment process is straightforward and easy for members. The ECO Stars team will take the operator through each stage of the process, giving new members a hassle free way through the assessment stage. We keep form filling to a minimum and, knowing how busy our members are, we will do everything we can to make it as easy as possible.
The Assessment Categories
There are 6 key principles which the ECO Stars Scheme uses and which are the foundations of fleet operational efficiency. These are:
These principles form the basis of the assessment categories that are the ingredients for an efficient fleet operation across all vehicle types; vans, trucks, buses and coaches.
Members are assessed on each of the 6 categories and their overall star rating is built up from their scoring on fleet composition combined with evidence of the remaining 5 pillars being present and effective within their operations. Each Member’s road map is then developed under the same 6 headings, where we give our view on the current systems in place and our ideas for actions and interventions which can improve efficiency.
Interested in knowing more about the categories? See below:
Fleet Composition
Operating newer, ‘cleaner’ vehicles, with higher Euro engine emission standards and on-board technology to minimise engine idling and to monitor fuel consumption and driver performance - all helping to drive down fuel use and minimise vehicle emissions.
Fuel Management
Fuel management programme measures could include having a ‘fuel champion’ appointed, monitoring fleet and individual vehicle level fuel consumption, annual litres of fuel consumed and annual fuel spend, as well as implementing mechanisms to raise awareness of the importance of fuel as a precious resource within the operation.
Driver Skills Development
Driver skills development and performance management measures could include training in safe and fuel efficient driving techniques (Eco-driving), driver fuel incentive schemes, driver performance league tables, monitoring of individual driver mpg.
Vehicle Specification / Preventative Maintenance
Robust vehicle specification processes would include ensuring that the most appropriate vehicle is specified for the planned task – making sure each vehicle is ‘fit for purpose’ and that vehicle ‘whole life costings’ have been taken into account to look at the future projected operating costs, in addition to the original purchase or lease price. Preventative maintenance ensures operational efficiency on an ongoing basis, ensuring tyres are correctly inflated, rips and tears on curtains are repaired and aerodynamic styling equipment is correctly adjusted.
Use of IT Support Systems
Operational support systems could include the use of IT to maximise vehicle and driver efficiency and minimise fuel consumption, such as routing and scheduling software or other telematics systems, including driver and vehicle performance monitoring equipment to identify over-revving, harsh braking, harsh acceleration and excessive idling time.
Performance Monitoring and Management
Performance monitoring and targeting systems can include the use of key performance indicators (KPIs) to record and report efficiency for a wide range of aspects of your operation, from MPG for individual vehicles, through to fuel used per drop, annual fuel consumption and target annual savings. Systems will have robust processes for collecting, analysing, cleansing and interpreting data, as well as setting and reviewing targets on a regular basis.