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NEWS
Sydney wins green fleet award
Municipality cleans up its actPurchasing low-emission vehicles, embracing cycling and educating its staff to drive more efficiently has netted a Sydney council a major environmental award and a saving of nearly $2 million.
Australia’s largest metropolis Sydney isn’t the first place that springs to mind when considering the issue of environmental friendliness. But the City of Sydney Council’s efforts to improve its environmental performance have been recognised by the Australasian Fleet Management Association (AFMA), which recently awarded the Council its 2012 Fleet Environment Award.
The Council’s efforts to develop a more sustainable vehicle fleet have resulted in a 35 per cent reduction in overall fleet numbers, with no reduction in services. At the same time, procurement policies have led to the addition of four all-electric vehicles, 43 hybrid cars and 20 diesel-electric hybrid trucks to the council’s fleet.
The electric vehicles (EVs) are powered by 100 per cent renewable energy from solar panels on top of the historic Sydney Town Hall and there are plans for the EV fleet to expand to 14 vehicles by 2012, with up to 80 EVs planned over the next few years.
Other council initiatives have included the fitment of environmentally friendly exhaust systems and filters to 84 older trucks to bring them up to Euro 4 standard, reducing NOx gases and particulate emissions by up to 60 per cent.
In addition, all new trucks purchased must comply with Euro 5 diesel engine standards and there’s been a shift to using sustainable biodiesel, made from recycled cooking oils and tallow.
Eco-driving courses and the introduction of a bicycle fleet have also contributed to an overall reduction in emissions of almost 20 per cent since 2008, while over the same period the Council realised cost savings of $1.9M.
A full time driver educator now works with council staff, particularly those in high emission vehicles working within a congested CBD traffic environment. The aim is to change and improve council staff’s low-emission driving skills and behaviours.
The award, supported by Toyota Fleet and Toyota Fleet Management, was presented to Sydney City Council's Bob Smith (pictured) at a gala dinner in Melbourne in September.
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