ECO Stars News
BARNSLEY MBC DRIVE TO IMPROVE AIR QUALITY WITH ECO STARS FLEET RECOGNITION SCHEME
December 2009
Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council (Barnsley MBC) are leading the way towards improving air quality by joining the ECO Stars Fleet Recognition Scheme as a three star operator. The scheme, which is the first of its kind in the UK, recognises fleet operators who are using cleaner vehicles and effective fuel management. ECO Stars has been set up by Care4Air as part of the drive to improve the quality of air across the county.
Barnsley MBC were the first public sector fleet to become ECO Star members. They are ambassadors for the scheme and are setting an excellent example to other operators. The fleet entered the scheme with a three star rating. It comprises a mix of 232 vehicles including vans, tippers, refuse collection vehicles and minibuses.
David Curry, Fleet Manager at Barnsley MBC, said: “Barnsley MBC has very effective fleet management policies and procedures in place and already has a vehicle replacement programme.
“We are happy to take the lead in the public sector and hope to encourage others to join up to a scheme that lowers harmful emissions in the environment.”
The free scheme aims to help Large Goods Vehicle (LGV), Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV), bus and coach fleet operators gain recognition for their commitment to improving efficiency, reducing fuel consumption and reducing emissions – all helping to improve local air quality and reduce carbon emissions. It also aims to encourage other organisations to consider investing in cleaner vehicles.
Each organisation signing up to the scheme will have both their individual vehicles and their overall road transport operation assessed using star rating criteria, to recognise levels of operational and environmental performance. Scheme benefits include: a bespoke road map developed for each scheme member to help them progress to higher ratings levels; and windscreen decals issued for each vehicle to profile efficiency and environmental credentials.
Councillor Bill Newman, Cabinet Member for Development at Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, said: “The ECO Stars Scheme is unique in the UK because it includes vans and lorries as well as buses and coaches. I am pleased to see that fleet operators will be recognised for steps they have taken to help improve air quality across South Yorkshire. I hope the offer of free individual action plans will encourage fleet operators to sign up to the scheme and to further improve their efforts.”
If you are interested in finding out more about the scheme, its benefits and how to sign up, call the ECO Stars Fleet Recognition Scheme Team on 01543 416 416 and quote ‘ECO Stars’. Alternatively, email [email protected]