Issued by City of York Council
City of York Council is launching a new scheme to provide support for commercial operators of vans, trucks, buses and coaches in the city aiming to be more environmentally friendly, as part of National Climate Week.
The ECO Stars (Efficient and Cleaner Operations) Fleet Recognition Scheme helps York’s fleet operators gain recognition for their commitment to improving efficiency, reducing fuel consumption and reducing emissions – all helping to improve local air quality.
The scheme awards each member a star rating based on an assessment of how ‘clean’ their vehicle fleet is and how they demonstrate good practice in key areas of:
- Fuel management
- Developing driver skills
- Vehicle specification and maintenance
- Use of IT support systems
- Fleet performance monitoring.
Key to the ECO Stars scheme is the bespoke ‘road map’, an action plan developed for each new member to help them take steps to improve their star rating. The ‘road map’ will highlight any issues and advise members on how to combat them, such as alternative fuel or technology that is available.
Cllr Dave Merrett, Cabinet Member for Travel, Transport and Sustainability, said: “By signing up to this scheme businesses could cut costs of up to £2,300 per vehicle and improve environmental practice by cutting fuel consumption.
“Tailored support will be on offer for each individual company to guide them in taking steps to improve the way they run their fleet, and in turn help to improve air quality and reduce climate change emissions.”
Lord de Mauley, Minister for Air Quality, said in support of the scheme: “We want to keep improving air quality and reduce the negative impact it can have on human health and the environment. Our Air Quality Grant funding is key to assisting local authorities in doing this and I am pleased to see it being used to support the ECO Stars scheme expanding as part of City of York Council’s work in tackling emissions and improving air quality.”
Graham Lyon, Nestle UK & Ireland Own Fleet LGV Manager said: “Nestlé UK & Ireland is proud to be associated with the Eco Star initiative and extremely delighted to have been awarded 5 stars. A central pillar of Nestlé’s thinking is continuous improvement and we recognise the need to look for ways to further improve our environmental credentials to maintain our position. We firmly believe being a member of the Eco Star scheme will help us to further improve our transport efficiencies”.
Already signed up to the scheme is the council’s fleet, Yorkshire Ambulance Service and White Rose Transport as well as Nestlé who are the first five star ECO Stars operator.
The scheme is free to sign up to. For more information call the ECO Stars Team on 01543 416416, email [email protected] or visit the ECO Stars page on the council website.
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