ECO Stars News
SIMON HUGHES MP PRAISES ENVIRONMENTAL FLEET SCHEME AND PRESENTS CLIPPER LOGISTICS WITH TOP ECO STARS AWARD
May 2009
Simon Hughes, Liberal Democrat spokesman for Energy and Climate Change and the Lib Dem Sheffield Council Leader, Cllr Paul Scriven, have added their voice to the drive against climate change by promoting a South Yorkshire scheme aimed at reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality.
The ECO (Efficient and Cleaner Operations) Stars Fleet Recognition Scheme, set up by Care4Air, provides free help to LGV, HGV, bus and coach fleet operators to improve efficiency, reduce fuel consumption and reduce emissions – thus improving local air quality and mitigating climate change.
Each organisation signing up to the scheme has both their individual vehicles and their overall road transport operation assessed using star rating criteria, to recognise good environmental performance. Scheme benefits include: bespoke action plans developed for each scheme member to help them progress to higher ratings levels; and windscreen decals and door stickers issued for each vehicle to profile efficiency and environmental credentials.
Care4Air spokesperson Mark Daly said: “Clipper Logistics were the first fleet operators to sign up to the scheme back in January. They received four stars initially and have since been working hard to reach the maximum rating.
“We produced a bespoke best practise road map with suggestions on how Clipper could improve their performance, including measures to reduce idling, improving driver incentive schemes and expansion of their key performance indicators. Having completed these measures, I’m delighted to say that Clipper are now our first five star members.”
On a visit to Sheffield on Saturday 23rd May, Simon Hughes MP presented Clipper Logistics Group - a leading independent logistics company based in South Yorkshire - with a plaque to recognise their contribution towards local air quality.
Simon Hughes MP, said: “This is a fantastic scheme which can make a real difference in the battle against climate change and help local businesses save money in these difficult economic times.”
“Congratulations go to Clipper Logistics for taking full advantage of the free scheme. I would urge other local businesses in Sheffield and South Yorkshire to follow their example.”
Paul Scriven added “Every year vehicles on UK roads produce 173.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. HGVs, LGVs, buses and coaches are responsible for 29% of this amount. By signing up to this scheme a typical HGV could reduce its annual output of carbon dioxide by six tonnes, which would make a real difference in the battle against climate change.”
“But there are also financial benefits for local businesses. A HGV could see annual fuel consumption fall by a minimum of 5%, saving £2,750 on fuel costs for that vehicle. At a time when everyone is coming under financial pressure this scheme doesn’t just make environmental sense, it can help save money too.”
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]