Alternative fuel switch sees Test Valley Borough Council cut carbon fuel emissions by 95%

It's another step towards carbon neutrality by the council

Author: Aaron HarperPublished 16th Jun 2023

Switching to a diesel alternative fuel has allowed Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) to slash it’s carbon fuel emissions by a staggering 95%.

All their vehicles have started using hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) to achieve this feat.

Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, Cllr Phil North, said: “Switching all of our vehicles from diesel to HVO is a huge step in the right direction as we cut our carbon emissions generated from our fleet vehicles by 95%.

“Using this biofuel does not require expensive vehicle changes and is completely fossil-free, fulfilling one of the pledges we made in our cross-party Climate Emergency action plan.”

The entire fleet, which includes waste collection vehicles and plant machinery now use HVO following council leaders approving the change earlier this year.

It’s another step towards carbon neutrality, after a climate emergency was declared by TVBC in 2019.

HVO is a drop-in diesel alternative, which benefits from an instant reduction in CO2 emissions and doesn’t require changes to the engine design or machinery.

It’s made from 100% renewable materials, is biodegradable and odourless.

Earlier this year, TVBC switched their old diesel powered street sweepers out for new electric powered ones.

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.