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Green-minded Councillors are set to fuel vehicles with the next generation low-carbon diesel as part of the Council’s work to reduce carbon emissions.

A move sparked by Bromsgrove District Council’s Climate Change Working Party, the first delivery of Hydro-treated Vegetable Oil (HVO)  is expected in May.
HVO is a form of renewable diesel that has been produced from renewable and sustainably sourced vegetable fats and oils derived from used cooking oils, non-food grade crops plus left-over animal fats from food processing.

It is proven to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 90% whilst significantly reducing nitrogen oxide, particulate matter and carbon monoxide all which are key components in achieving improved air quality.

The Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change Cllr Michael Thompson said: “HVO fuel enables organisations to immediately and substantially reduce their greenhouse gas emissions without a large upfront capital expenditure.

“It is also completely interchangeable with diesel which will allow the Council to continue using our current assets and infrastructure without any change.

“A climate change emergency has been declared and I am absolutely delighted to be spearheading this change not only as part of this Council’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions, but to create a cleaner greener planet for our future generations to enjoy.”

The Council has had work undertaken by the Environment Savings Trust in relation to its fleet and are currently commissioning further work.

This will allow the authority to take a report on “greening” the fleet and a revised capital fleet replacement programme for Councillors to consider later this financial year.

Cllr Thompson, who also chairs the Council’s Climate Change Working Group, said: “This Council rapidly switching to HVO fuel in May is a stepping-stone in the right direction for us to make substantial carbon reductions with the bonus of still being able to use our existing fleet of diesel vehicles.

“It also gives the Council time to investigate other forms of energy including Hydrogen which is high on the Government’s agenda at this time of rising costs and uncertain supply of other fuel sources.”