Example of a Transport Improvement Scheme

Fuel efficiency at Shopco's Birmingham Distribution Centre (DC)

The choice of this site was due to poor urban air quality. The overall objectives of the scheme were to improve the environmental performance of all of the DC's. The improvement plan devised covered:

  1. Cleaner fuel use
  2. Measuring and monitoring fuel saving

Summary of scheme

  • 1995: Used 'ultra-low' sulphur diesel in short term trial
  • 1996: long term trial of ultra low city diesel for all site transport- trail results:
Issue / Objective Target Achievement
Carbon monoxide emissions 28% reduction (using 13 mode data)
Reduction in black smoke 22% to 44% reduction (using the MOT smoke test)
Particulate emissions 39% reduction (using 13 mode data)
Fuel consumption 0.7% increase (over 40 weeks year on year)
Cost of fuel 2.0p/litre premium

The city diesel, even though more expensive, is the fuel used by the company and is now sold at all the retail outlets.

Measuring and monitoring

7% savings on fuel were achieved at the Birmingham site on 12 tractors through using the Vehicle Management Information System (VeMIS). This gives results concerning how good the driving is, and feedback on fuel efficiency. The fuel savings trial was impressive at this company and will now cover the entire company fleet at the Birmingham site.


Useful publications to read are Fuel Efficiency Booklet 20: "Energy efficiency in road transport" and FMG: "Fuel Management Guide". Both of which are available from BRESCU (01923 664258) and ETSU (01253 436747).

The Government's White Paper:
Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions: A New Deal for TransportBetter for Everyone- (looks at improving public transport to reduce the number of car users)
http://www.detr.gov.uk/itwp/paper/index.htm

The Environmental transport Association:
http://www.eta.co.uk/

DETR: Roads: (Incorporates many aspects of road use and vehicles)
http://www.roads.detr.gov.uk/

 


Visit the Green guide to cars website devised by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy. See if you can match the vehicles given in the study your company's fleet. (This may not be possible for all vehicles because it is a US site) How do your vehicles rate?

http://www.aceee.org/greenercars/