Renewable fuel introduced to cut fleet emissions

Derby City Council is making its vehicle fleet greener by switching hundreds of its diesel vehicles to a cleaner, renewable fuel.

It is introducing Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) as an alternative to conventional diesel.

The change is expected to cut greenhouse gas emissions from the fuel by around 91%, saving more than 1,960 tonnes of carbon emissions every year.

The council relies on vehicles to provide services across the city, including collecting bins, cleaning streets and supporting adult and children’s social care.

The introduction of HVO follows a successful trial held in partnership with the University of Derby, which looked at how well the fuel performed in everyday use, as well as its environmental impact.

Councillor Carmel Swan, the city council’s cabinet member for climate change, transport and sustainability, said: “We want to do everything we can to make Derby greener and reduce our impact on the environment.

“Introducing HVO means we can make a significant reduction in the emissions from our fleet now, while still providing the essential services that residents depend on every day.

“It’s another important step towards a cleaner, more sustainable city.”