Our parks and countryside rangers have made their journeys more eco-friendly by using hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) instead of diesel in 2 of their vehicles.
The change in fuel has led to significantly reduced carbon emissions. Alongside their 3 electric vehicles, the whole fleet is now more eco-efficient.
HVO fuel is a renewable alternative to diesel, produced from waste materials such as used cooking oil. It is a drop-in fuel, meaning no vehicle modifications are needed.
The introduction of HVO fuel is part of a wider effort by the ranger team to become more sustainable. Other recent initiatives include:
- planting over 5,600 trees at more than 15 sites across the borough to enhance carbon capture and air quality
- removing silt from Snaprails Pond to improve water storage, water quality, and wildlife habitats
- seeding a 0.7-hectares at The Parks with wildflowers to increase biodiversity and reduce mowing from every two weeks to once a year
Cllr Guy Gillbe, cabinet member for planning, transport and countryside, said:
“Switching to HVO fuel is a major step towards making our rangers' operations greener.
“The team is dedicated to working in the most sustainable way and continues to look at projects that go above and beyond to do this, alongside the routine work they do to protect and develop our borough’s environment.”
Learn more about how the rangers protect and enhance our natural environment.