Decision details

Cabinet considered a report which requested that additional funds be allocated within the 2022/23 budget cycle to support with the transition to Biofuel. Members were informed that a reduction in fleet emissions could be achieved in the shorter-term through the use of alternative fuels that required no capital or infrastructure investment.

Hydro treated vegetable oil (HVO) was a premium high quality vehicle fuel made from renewable, sustainable raw material and was an alternative fuel to diesel. HVO was compatible with all diesel vehicles from 2019 and included all refuse collection vehicles. The Council would no longer use Gas Oil (Red Diesel) within its grounds maintenance feet but would use diesel instead. Alternatives such as electrification and hydrogen fuel were considered a long-term concept.

Consideration was given to continuing with the diesel for all vehicles as HVO was 15p per litre more expensive to purchase than diesel and the increased cost of old vehicles being replaced with newer vehicles. Continuing with diesel would increase emissions across the borough generated by the Council’s refuse collection vehicles. 

RESOLVED that a budget of £42,000 for the transition to biofuel be approved within the 2022/23 budget cycle.

Reason

This will assist with the Council’s corporate priority of the Environment and the aim of protecting the environment for the future.