Ditching the Diesel for Veg Fuel
Hyndburn Council Ditch the Diesel in Favour of Veg Fuel
Fleet vehicles and some plant equipment will be ditching diesel in favour of HVO (Hydro-treated vegetable oil) going forward, marking a major step in the aim of net-zero carbon emissions.
A recent assessment calculated that the Council’s 54 vehicles previously equated to approximately 19% of the total CO2 emissions. Therefore, this single change results in up to 90% reduction in CO2 emissions from the vehicles, meaning cleaner air for the local community and a smaller carbon footprint for the council.
Cllr Zak Khan, Portfolio Holder for Sustainability, said:
“This is a tremendous step forward for Hyndburn Council’s net zero ambitions and shows a commitment to implementing real, tangible change that promises a green and sustainable future for the area. It is so important that we are constantly assessing all areas of the Council’s carbon emissions to see what changes can be made at every level to help fight climate change.”
This switch was recommended by the Council’s Net Zero Working Group. The Net Zero Working Group was created in June 2022 to provide the Council with advice and support on climate change, the green agenda and achieving net zero. Made up of members and Council officers, they consider policies and strategies to propose new environmental projects and initiatives such as community tree planting schemes and decarbonising the council’s operations.
Cllr Steven Smithson, Joint Deputy Leader of the Council, said:
“It is really promising to see Council members and officers working together to bring about this level of environmental change. This is a clear indication that the council will continue to prioritise climate action plans, and it is a pleasure to be part of a Council that are striving to make the Borough a cleaner and greener place for people to enjoy. I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in making this change.”
This action follows Hyndburn Council’s declaration of a climate emergency back in 2019, where they pledged to look at all areas where they could reduce their carbon footprint to become completely net-zero in their carbon emissions by 2030.