ECO Stars News
TOP RECOGNITION FOR NEW ECO STARS CLEAN LORRY FLEET
June 2009
A company operating out of South Yorkshire is hoping to dispel the myth that lorries are ‘dirty smelly polluters’ after being awarded a maximum five star rating for the environmental performance of their fleet. Ventura Network Distribution, the UK-wide warehousing and distribution operators of high-street store Next, achieved the highest possible rating from the ECO (Efficient and Cleaner Operations) Stars Fleet Recognition Scheme.
The free scheme, which is the first of its kind in the UK, recognises fleet operators who are using lower polluting vehicles and effective fuel management. ECO Stars Fleet Recognition Scheme was launched in January this year by South Yorkshire’s air quality campaign, Care4Air, as part of the drive to improve the quality of air across the region.
Ventura Network Distribution signed up 91 Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) to the scheme and was awarded the five stars rating after having their individual vehicles and overall road transport operation assessed to recognise levels of operational and environmental performance.
Tony Whitehouse, Fleet Engineer, said: “We are incredibly proud to become a five star member from the off. We have always worked hard to perform well environmentally and now, using the ECO Stars benchmarks, we can see that we have met or exceeded most criteria.”
In 2007 Ventura replaced 90% of their fleet with vehicles using the top performing Euro 5 standard engines. These engines limit pollutant emissions of Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) and Particulate Matter (PM) which pose the most serious health and environmental problems.
Tony added: “At the time there was no financial benefit for us to go straight to Euro 5, we chose these engines purely for environmental reasons. We also operate strict fuel management and driver development programmes with telematics systems. We can see live on the internet how well our drivers and vehicles are performing across the country. We’ve proved that operating a fleet of lorries need not generate lots of horrible pollution and I hope this will help change people’s negative perceptions of haulage.”
Ventura have been monitoring and reporting their CO2 and NOx emissions for the past 3 years (2006 to 2008 inc.). In this time they have reduced; mileage by 2.17% (646,110 KMs), CO2 by 3.59% (779 tonnes), and NOx by an impressive 40.9% (96 tonnes). Ventura are now hoping to encourage other fleet operators to sign up the scheme and are offering their advice and support to potential new members.
1687 vehicles from fleet operators across South Yorkshire have been ECO Star assessed since the scheme launched. By implementing the key measures in the scheme an estimated 10,122 fewer tonnes of carbon dioxide will be emitted in the local air this year1 - that’s enough CO2 to fill Wembley Stadium!
The ECO Stars Fleet Recognition Scheme aims to help South Yorkshire’s HGV, LGV, 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. Key to the scheme is the bespoke ‘road map’ action plan developed for each new member to help them progress to higher ratings levels. Members also receive windscreen and door decals issued for each vehicle to profile efficiency and environmental credentials.
Alan West, ECO Stars spokesperson, said: “Ventura are the first fleet operator to sign up to the ECO Stars Scheme and get a maximum five star rating from the outset. They understand how important it is to run an efficient and clean fleet and are a great example to other businesses.”
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]