Introduction

The Council has purchased several vehicles which produce less NOx than older vehicles.

Objectives and target audience

The aim was to reduce the detrimental affect that the Council’s operations can have on local air quality. It also helped to improve our performance with regard to the National Indicator, which deals with air quality. The current fleet of vehicles travel up to 160,000 miles per year, meaning that the reduction is very significant. The vehicles meet the rigorous new EU emissions standard, called ‘Euro V’.

Financial Resources and Partners involved

The five vehicles are leased by Oldham Council, from Specialist Fleet Services (SFS). Each vehicle is worth new £130k

Process

A part of the process of implementing our Environmental Management System, the Council undertook audits of its various operations. It was identified that the Council’s fleet caused major impacts on the local environment. The use if bio diesel was trailed, but was found to be ineffective as it blocked pumps. Other options were investigated and it was discovered that when purchasing new vehicles, there was potential to purchase more environmentally friendly vehicles. Five new vehicles were leased. These are fitted with a new type of engine, which release fewer pollutants into the air. An additive known as Adblue is injected into the engine, which reduces the levels of harmful nitrogen oxides in exhaust fumes. Later in 2008, the Council will replace five more of their existing vehicles with these new vehicles, meaning that approximately half of the waste disposal fleet has Euro V engines.

Results

The new vehicles produce around 43% less NOX than older vehicles.  NOX, are formed in the high temperatures of vehicles’ engines. In the atmosphere they can form a haze, called a photochemical smog, which is significant in the summer months. These smog’s can affect young children and people with lung problems. NOX can also react with the moisture in the air to form acid rain.

Critical Success Factors / Challenges

We could demonstrate through site visits of how the vehicles work.