Celebrating the UK’s success in lowering fleet emissions

The 2010 GreenFleet Awards celebrated shining examples of environmental fleet management and green motoring across the country

With the UK government committing to reduce the country’s greenhouse gas emissions by 80 per cent by 2050, many vehicle manufacturers and fleet managers have whole-heartedly taken on the challenge to combat climate change, demonstrating successful ways to reduce their carbon output.
    
Applauding the success of such pioneering environmental manufacturing and fleet management, the Greenfleet Awards, sponsored by Renault Business, took place on 7 October at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium in London.

CELEBRATING GREEN SUCCESS

The Awards were judged by representatives from the Institute of Car Fleet Management, NextGreenCar? (formerly WhatGreenCar?) and GreenFleet magazine.
    
Presented by comedian Rufus Hound, the 18 awards were given out to deserving public and private sector fleet organisations for their efforts in environmental fleet management and low carbon motoring.
    
Winning the Outstanding Achievement Award was Paul Everitt, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, who has played a major role in launching and developing the motor industry sustainability report, the annual CO2 report and took a lead on a range of high profile policy campaigns, including the End of Life Vehicle directive, Block Exemption and the Climate Change Levy. Commenting on the award, Everitt said: “I am extremely grateful to the team at GreenFleet for giving me this award. The UK motor industry is making significant progress in delivering cleaner, safer and more fuel efficient vehicles. There remains some challenging times ahead, but I believe the industry can look forward to new and exciting opportunities at the heart of a low carbon future.”

WINNING MANUFACTURERS
City Car Manufacturer of the Year, sponsored by Metro, was awarded to Ford for its Fiesta ECOnetic. Since its launch in 2008, the new Fiesta has been an outstanding success, and over 110,000 have been sold to fleet customers. The ECOnetic version offers astonishing fuel economy of 76.3 mpg (combined cycle) and exceptionally low CO2 emissions of just 98 g/km, making it exempt from road tax. The ECOnetic has a tweaked ECU, low-viscosity engine oil, taller gear ratios and a dash light that tells the driver the best point to change up.
    
The Mitsubishi iMiEV scooped the Electric Vehicle of the Year award, sponsored by Elektromotive. The i-MiEV is a fully electric city car with zero emissions, no compromise in cabin space and comfortably seats four adults with room for luggage. It has a top speed of 81 mph, a range of up to 80 miles and can be trickle charged from flat to full in under six hours at any UK three-pin socket.
    
The i-MiEV is currently playing a major role in the government’s Ultra Low Carbon Vehicle Demonstrator projects.
    
Fleet Car Manufacturer of the Year, sponsored by Garmin, was awarded to BMW for its EfficientDynamics models.
    
The benefits of low emission fleet vehicles are epitomised by the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon, launched in March 2010. This groundbreaking 163hp, 137mph model emits just 109 g/km of CO2. Other fleet-focused vehicles launched in 2010 include the BMW 520d Saloon emitting just 129g/km of CO2. Throughout the UK and Europe, BMW also provides facilities for recycling for all end of life vehicles.

INNOVATION IN THE INDUSTRY
The Industry Innovation Award, sponsored by Rockingham, was awarded to Zeta Automotive.
    
Zeta Automotive, designer and manufacturer of vehicle control systems, has now patented ‘EconoSpeed’, a dynamic throttle control system that pro-actively limits the ability of a driver to accelerate harshly, speed, or over-rev the engine. Trials with major fleets have shown verified savings of between three per cent and 14 per cent. Waitrose tested the device on their home delivery vans over some 22,000 miles and achieved an average seven per cent fuel saving.
    
Volkswagen scooped the award for LCV Manufacturer of the Year.
    
Environmental improvements to the new Transporter include a new range of common rail TDI engines. Two new Caddy BlueMotion Technology models feature a 1.6TDI engine with Start/Stop and battery regeneration systems to help deliver CO2 at 129 g/km and an average fuel consumption of up to 57 mpg. The gas-powered EcoFuel model is designed to operate on gas (CNG or Biogas) as well as conventional petrol.
    
Colin Boyton, event marketing manager said: “GreenFleet were delighted to Award VW Commercial Vehicles with the title of LCV Manufacturer of the Year this year for a number of reasons. The environmental improvements made to the new Transporter, coupled with the two Caddy BlueMotion Technology models featuring Start/Stop and battery regenration systems will make a massive difference to anyone operating a commercial fleet. In such difficult times, fuel economy is pivotal in reducing the operational costs of running any fleet, and when you add the environmental benefits that VW can add, it really is a win-win fleet solution. On this basis, VWCV were worthy winners of the Award this year”.
    
The LGV Manufacturer of the Year Award went to Mercedes-Benz Trucks. The Mercedes-Benz Econic, normally used for waste collection, fire and emergency purposes, is available in a natural gas engine version.
    
The first Mercedes-Benz Econic refuse trucks to be fitted as standard with ultra-clean EEV engines have now entered service in the London Borough of Camden. Recycling and waste management specialist Veolia ordered the 39 vehicles after winning a seven-year extension to its existing contract.

DRIVER TRAINING
IAM Drive & Survive won the award for Driver Training Company of the Year.
    
IAM Drive & Survive’s Ecolution training has demonstrated realistic, achievable results year on year. In 2010 IAM Drive & Survive extended the green fleet reach to incorporate three new audiences: LGV, LCV and PCV drivers. The Eco-safe driving course provides realistic, everyday eco-friendly driving skills to drivers of traditionally high emission vehicles, and is available as part of a five year development plan.
    
Simon Elstow, IAM Drive & Survive head of training and field operations said: “We are really excited to have received this award. As a company we are proud of our eco-friendly credentials, which are always underlined by our dedication to road safety.
    
Leasing Company of the Year, sponsored by Renault Business, was awarded to Lex Autolease. Part of Lloyds Banking Group, Lex Autolease is the UK’s largest fleet leasing and management company. Since 2008 it has reduced fleet emissions by over 12 per cent.
    
Lex Autolease and supplier Ashwoods have pioneered the introduction of a retro fit hybrid system for May Gurney’s LCV fleet, reducing emissions by an unprecedented 14.9 per cent.
    
Green Motion scooped the Rental Company of the Year Award, sponsored by Shell. Since its launch in 2007, Green Motion has enjoyed an overwhelming interest in its environmental car and van rental services, and has expanded to 18 locations operating throughout the United Kingdom, servicing many of the major business gateways. Green Motion has been responsible for setting the precedent within the industry with its average fleet emissions now falling under 115gkm.
    
The IT Innovation Award, sponsored by Renault Business, was awarded to CMS Supatrak.
    
The company’s EcoTrak technology provides real time information on how a vehicle is being driven, including analysis of parameters such as speed, MPG, over revving, harsh braking, and harsh accelerating. In response to customer feedback, CMS have now included the development of the Safer Driving Assistant, an interactive in-cab display that reacts in real time to the driving style, displaying alerts when the vehicle is being driven inefficiently.

FLEET SUCCESS
London Freight Operator of the Year
sponsored by FORS, the Freight Operators Recognition Scheme, was won by Keystone Distribution.
    
Keystone Distribution UK manages the complete supply chain and distribution for all 1,200 McDonald’s restaurants in the UK, with a fleet of 48 vehicles comprising 31 tonne articulated and 17.5 tonne rigid trucks.
    
To fuel its fleet, Keystone collects used cooking oil from the fryers at McDonald’s and converts it into biodiesel. From late 2008 to date, vehicles have used the biodiesel equivalent of 269,965 litres of used cooking oil.
    
The award for Private Sector Fleet of the Year (+250 vehicles), sponsored by Michelin, went to Iron Mountain.
    
Founded in 1951, Iron Mountain manages billions of information assets. Improved routing and utilisation has reduced its fleet by over ten per cent in the last 18 months. Fuel savings through increased driver training and fleet management software equate to nearly 258k litres of fuel. The company is participating in the Carbon Disclosure Project and has recently been assessed to gain the Carbon Trust Standard.
    
The Private Sector Fleet of the Year Award (below 250 vehicles), sponsored by TRACKER, was won by Commercial Group.
    
Between 2006 and 2010, fleet emissions at Commercial fell from 910 tonnes CO2e to 332 tonnes CO2e, a huge 63.5 per cent drop. A detailed fuel and mileage monitoring system used for the delivery fleet has helped to achieve this and has now been implemented across the whole company fleet. The system has removed the need for three van routes, with remaining vans travelling over 140,000 less miles.
  

OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUALS 

The Private Sector Fleet Manager of the Year, sponsored by Trimble MRM, was taken home by
Zoe Powers from Greater London Hire.
    
In 2007, GLH took the decision to go for IS0 14001 accreditation and to become carbon acknowledged. This has culminated in emissions cuts of 30 per cent and a financial saving of over £300,000 per annum. In partnership with C-Change, Zoe delivers awareness sessions to the sales team on addressing environmental impact internally and supporting its clients to do the same.

The Public Sector Fleet Manager of the Year, sponsored by Green Motion, was awarded to
Mick Farmer from Yorkshire Ambulance Service.
    
Working with the Carbon Trust, Yorkshire Ambulance Service has become the first Ambulance Trust in the country to commence a carbon reduction programme, and has identified a potential to reduce the carbon emissions of the fleet by at least 2,500 tonnes. Fleet Manager Mick Farmer has been at the forefront of the carbon revolution as he has implemented innovative technologies throughout the YAS fleet.
    
Southwark Council scooped the Public Sector Fleet of the Year Award (+250 vehicles), sponsored by ING Car Lease.
    
Southwark Council continues to build its reputation for local environmental sustainability through its management of its vehicle fleet. To date 150 of its 320 vehicles have been updated with a mixture of Citroen dispatch and Berlingo LPG vehicles together with Mercedes sprinters and Ford fiesta vans. The council is also working with Transport for London on the introduction of Intelligent Speed Adaptation (ISA) units to fleet vehicles.
    
The Public Sector Fleet of the Year Award (below 250 vehicles), sponsored by Fiat, was awarded to Camden Council.
    
Camden council has made huge strides in lowering its fleet emissions. Its green fleet mix fleet includes electrics (two per cent), hybrids (two per cent), biomethane (one per cent) and liquid petroleum gas (65 per cent).
    
During 2009, the Council worked in partnership with Veolia Environmental Services, Iveco and Gasrec to trial compressed bio-methane, demontrating it as a commercially competitive and environmentally sound fuel that can be substituted for natural gas.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please visit www.greenfleetawards.co.uk for information about next year’s entries.

THE AWARDS
City Car Manufacturer of the Year

This award is presented to the City Car manufacturer that has increased takeup of its range of smaller cars that produce CO2 emissions under 120 grams per kilometre (g/km).

Electric Vehicle of the Year

Presented to the manufacturer of either a commercial or consumer EV that has demonstrated the best performance and best suitability for purpose in its class.

Fleet Car Manufacturer of the Year

This category will be presented to the car manufacturer that has improved CO2 ratings of its standard fleet offerings and expanded the range of lower CO2 models.

LCV Manufacturer of the Year

This award recognises the efforts made by manufacturers to reduce CO2 and incease fuel economy in the Light Commercial Vehicle Sector.

Driver Training Company of the Year

Presented to the Driver Training organisation that has been successful in promoting and diversifying its green driving instruction courses, and has incorporated fuel economy training modules into other driver awareness programmes it offers.

LGV Manufacturer of the Year

Previously HGV Manufacurer of the Year, this award recognises advancements in the Large Goods Vehicle Sector (Over 7.5 Tonnes).

Industry Innovation Award

This award is presented to the organisation that has introduced a new technology, practice or method that reduces fuel consumption and emissions and demonstrates innovation in its design and/or implementation.
 
IT Innovation Award

The IT Innovation award examines the latest advancements in fleet technology, including fleet management software, telematics, route tracking and other transport related IT.

London Freight Operator of the Year

This award recognises the efforts made by London freight organisations to prioritise safety and reduce their impact on the environment.

Private Sector Fleet Manager of the Year

Recognising an individual that has demonstrated a commitment to making carbon reduction a priority in their day to day duties, and has promoted green fleet practices.

Private Sector Fleet of the Year (over 250 vehicles)

Awarding the UK private sector organsation with a fleet of more than 250 vehicles that can demonstrate a reduction in CO2 and other pollutants.
 
Private Sector Fleet of the Year (below 250 vehicles)

Awarding the UK private sector organsation with a fleet of less than 250 vehicles that can demonstrate a reduction in CO2 and other pollutants.
 
Public Sector Fleet Manager of the Year

Recognising an individual currently working as a fleet manager in a UK public sector organsation that has demonstrated innovation, dedication and a commitment to making carbon reduction a priority in their day to day duties.
 
Public Sector Fleet of the Year (above 250 vehicles)

Awarding the UK public sector organsation with a fleet of more than 250 vehicles that can demonstrate a reduction in CO2 and other pollutants.
 
Public Sector Fleet of the Year (below 250 vehicles)

Awarding the UK public sector organsation with a fleet of less than 250 vehicles that can demonstrate a reduction in CO2 and other pollutants.

Rental Company of the Year

This award recognises the efforts of the car rental sector to offer lower CO2 models and incorporate a robust environmental policy into its present and future operations.

Leasing Company of the Year

This award is presented to the leasing company that has made the biggest strides towards environmental considerations in its leasing policies.

Outstanding Achievement Award

Awarded to an individual in the motor transport industry whose efforts to promote and encourage greener transport have achieved considerable success.