The University of Glasgow has joined the ECO Stars fleet transport environmental scheme...and been awarded four stars, just one star short of the top rating.

The ECO Stars Fleet Recognition Scheme is a free scheme that aims to help fleet operators improve efficiency, reduce fuel consumption & emissions and make cost savings. The University won plaudits for adopting electric vehicles as part of its transport fleet...and also for the installation of the multi-million pound district heating scheme which was completed almost exactly a year ago.

The University's citation read: "The University of Glasgow is an organisation that is very aware of its environmental impact in all of its business activities; this includes the consequences of diesel vehicles. This has resulted in the purchase of seven pure electric vans and the installation of a combined heat and power system."

Robust

Paul Wilkinson, ECO Stars consultant in Scotland, said: "The review of the University of Glasgow's application indicated that you have a robust maintenance program and you have made significant investment in electric vehicles. Your star rating is primarily derived from the profile of your fleet, and this is reflected in the 4 star rating."

The University's Transport Services Manager, Ronnie Ford, said: "When I first met Paul from Eco stars my original target was for three stars, so I was delighted with the 4 star rating. Our early adoption of electric vehicles and the use of speed limiters and telematics were key drivers in getting 4 stars. For me continued investment in electric vehicles will be central in protecting the environment for future generations. In the long term, reducing our dependence on fossil-fuelled vehicles is something we should all be aiming for."

ECO Stars was originally set up in South Yorkshire in 2009 when four local councils – Barnsley, Doncaster, Sheffield and Rotherham – wanted to tackle local air quality issues caused by transport, focusing on HGVs, buses, coaches and vans. They swiftly realised that many fleet operators were already making progress in reducing their environmental impact, and wanted to recognise their efforts, but at the same time provide expert and practical advice on how to make improvements. As a result ECO Stars was born.

ECO Stars has been adopted by many other council areas in the UK including York, Edinburgh and Warrington as well as several cities across Europe. In total, the individual schemes have more than 500 members with 14,000+ vehicles.

 

First published: 24 April 2017

<< 2017 Mar-Apr


Useful links:

www.ecostars-uk.com/