ECO Stars News
HUGE ENVIRONMENTAL AND MONEY SAVING OPPORTUNITY AS STAGECOACH BECOME FIRST BUS COMPANY TO JOIN LOCAL SCHEME
July 2009
Stagecoach have become the first bus and coach operator to sign up to the ECO (Efficient and Cleaner Operations) Stars Fleet Recognition Scheme. The free South Yorkshire scheme offers an exciting opportunity for all commercial vehicles to massively cut costs and improve environmental performance by reducing fuel consumption.
Stagecoach have signed up 295 buses and coaches to the scheme, bringing the total number of ECO Star rated vehicles across the region to 3152! Stagecoach were awarded a three star rating for their performance and will now be working with the ECO Stars Team to improve further. Offering a tailor-made ‘Road Map’ to help companies progress to reach a desired five star rating for maximum operational and environmental performance, it is no surprise that big names such as Stagecoach have signed up to become ECO Stars members.
Paul Lynch, Managing Director of Stagecoach, said: “We are proud to become the first public transport company to sign up to ECO Stars and play our part in making a positive contribution towards improving local air quality.
“The three star rating is recognition for our commitment to improving the efficiency of vehicles, reducing fuel consumption and reducing emissions, all helping to improve air quality. We also hope to set an example to local organisations and highlight to others the importance of investing in lower polluting vehicles.
“ECO Stars is a great opportunity for Yorkshire fleets to review environmental efficiency and improve green credentials as well as boosting business performance. As part of the scheme, we will be following our bespoke action plan to help progress to higher ratings levels.”
The ECO Stars Scheme, set up by South Yorkshire’s air quality awareness campaign Care4Air, is open to all types of commercial vehicles including HGVs, LGVs, buses and coaches. By following the scheme recommendations a typical HGV could reduce fuel by a minimum 5% in the first year – for companies operating 10 vehicles that is a saving of up to £23,000, which is equivalent to one whole tanker of diesel!
The scheme also has environmental benefits, a typical HGV could reduce its annual output of carbon dioxide by six tonnes, which would make a real difference in the battle to improve local air quality and reduce climate change. There will also be massive reductions in harmful particulate matter and nitrogen oxide – emissions that cause serious damage to health and lead to 24,000 premature deaths across the UK every year.
With no sign up fee, help through the application process and tailor-made support for each individual company, fleet operators across South Yorkshire really have nothing to lose and so much to gain.
Alan West, ECO Stars Coordinator, said: “Since the scheme launched in January 2009, over 3000 vehicles across the region have been assessed by our ECO Stars Team. The scheme is completely free to sign up to and we give you as much or a little guidance as you require. The process of registration is straightforward and once we have assessed your fleet we will initiate feedback for any improvements that can be made.
“Congratulations to Stagecoach on becoming our first bus and coach operator to join the scheme. We are looking forward to working closely with them to improve their ECO Star rating. I hope others will follow their lead and every fleet operator in South Yorkshire will take advantage of this great opportunity to lower emissions and save a great amount of money annually.”
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]