'Significant step' as Dorset Council swap diesel for vegetable oil in vehicles
This initiative is being called 'a crucial part' of the local authority's strategy to meet 'ambitious' carbon reduction targets
A 'significant step' has been taken towards reducing carbon emissions across Dorset, with the council swapping diesel in some of our big vehicles for hydrotreated vegetable oil.
This initiative is being called 'a crucial part' of the local authority's strategy to meet 'ambitious' carbon reduction targets.
By this summer, 75 per cent of their non-electric vehicles will be running on this oil, known as HVO, which is a cleaner alternative to diesel that can reduce carbon emissions by up to 90 per cent.
Cllr Nick Ireland, Leader of Dorset Council, said: “Switching to HVO is a significant milestone in our journey towards reducing carbon emissions. This initiative has not only enabled us to meet our interim target of a 40% reduction, but also supports our long-term goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2035.
“By using HVO, we are taking immediate action to lower our carbon footprint while we continue to transition to zero and ultra-low emission vehicles. This is a practical and impactful step towards a more sustainable future for Dorset. It is critical that the council keeps showing leadership in this area, and outside of our own emissions we will continue to work with partners and communities across Dorset to deliver strong environmental, climate, economic and social benefits”
The vehicles that will switch over include highways lorries, 3.5-tonne tippers, vans and waste and recycling vehicles.
Cllr Jon Andrews, Cabinet Member for Place Services, said: “Our long-term goal is to swap all our fleet to zero or ultra-low emission vehicles. But, while we wait for technology to catch up, HVO is a great way to reduce emissions.
“The changeover is easy to do without impact on our highways operations. It allows us to switch back to diesel if any issues arise.
“HVO will serve as a transitional fuel for our fleet. As vehicles are replaced, the fleet will gradually shift to zero and ultra-low emissions vehicles, such as electric.”
It's already been trialled on some of the council's highways vehicles.
The council is working towards net zero carbon emissions for its directly controlled emissions by 2035.
These are emissions from fuel and electricity use from/by its own buildings, vehicles and streetlights.