Council explores plans for cutting vehicle emissions by more than 93 per cent

In line with Bridgend County Borough Council’s 2030 Net Zero Carbon Strategy, plans are being explored to introduce a new fleet of cleaner, greener ultra-low emission collection vehicles.

Proposals are also in place to further reduce carbon emissions from existing vehicles. It is thought that by switching to an alternative fuel method such as Hydrogenised Vegetable Oil (HVO), the service could reduce CO2 emissions by around 975 tonnes per annum, which will represent a 93.54 per cent carbon reduction from current waste and recycling operation’s carbon footprint.

The council and its current contractor, Keir, have agreed to share the additional costs for implementing the new initiative, which represents a very positive carbon reduction change at a relatively low cost.

Current waste management provider Kier have confirmed that investigations have been carried out and its existing fleet is able to run using this fuel type.

We are extremely keen to explore the introduction of this new fleet of collection vehicles operating on a 93 per cent carbon saving fuel. This would deliver a rapid and significant improvement in our response to the climate change emergency.

We recognise that in the medium to long term, the highest environmental benefit in terms of fleet provision will be a change to ULEV Electric/Hydrogen powered vehicles that produce zero emissions in use and the result is phenomenal.

When fuelled by a renewable energy supply, these vehicles represent the cleanest possible method of recycling and waste collection. However, going forward, we will consider a wide range of options, which will not only help reduce our carbon footprint but will also be cost-effective to implement.

Councillor John Spanswick, Cabinet Member for Communities