COUNCIL-owned vehicles in Worcester could soon be looking greener.
Worcester City Council is considering changing the fuel it uses in all its vehicles to an eco-friendly alternative.
Councillors will be asked next week to approve the use of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) in 42 of the council’s lorries, vans and other vehicles that are currently powered by diesel.
The CO2 emissions of each vehicle that is converted to run on HVO will be cut by around 90 per cent.
This would drive down the council’s total carbon emissions by around 34 per cent, or 630 tonnes per annum.
The proposed change is in line with the council’s vision to become carbon-neutral by 2030.
The proposal will be discussed at Worcester City Council’s Environment Committee on Tuesday November 4.
Coun Karen Lewing, vice chair of the committee, said: “I’ve campaigned for many years for cleaner air in our city.
“I’m pleased to see that, if approved, the reduction in emissions from these council vehicles will be substantial.
“The majority of our vehicles operate in residential areas, where air pollutants have the greatest impact on local communities.
“The council is doing its part to keep air quality as clean as possible in these areas, and across our city.
“A number of neighbouring councils have already switched to HVO fuel successfully, with some even reporting improved fuel efficiency.
“I’m pleased that Worcester is now considering this positive step as part of a wider piece of work to become a carbon-neutral council.”
The one-off cost of buying and installing the fuel tank will be £40,000.
Although the cost of HVO fuel is more expensive than diesel, at current prices, the cost of HVO can be met from within the council’s existing budgets.
Using HVO would reduce the council’s carbon emissions by around 34 per cen p. This is in addition to the 18 per cent of carbon emissions saved by the installation of electric cremators at Astwood Crematorium, work on which is currently underway.
The environment committee will also consider Worcester’s first Biodiversity Strategy at their meeting next week.
Over the next three years the plan aims to implement nature restoration projects on several sites and identify biodiversity improvements. Work is planned at Offerton Lane ponds, Laugherne Brook, Battenhall Road and Newtown Road.
A refreshed Environmental Sustainability Strategy is also due to be discussed at the environment committee. This includes investigating solar panel opportunities, along with climate risk and vulnerability mapping.
