Description
Working in partnership with Hampshire County Council, Amey delivers all aspects of road and footway maintenance to over 9,000 km of Hampshire’s road network.
As part of our tender submission for Hampshire County Council’s Term Highways Contract we have a specific contractual obligation to reduce our CO2 emissions by 8% year on year from year two of the contract.
Efficiency & Innovation
A key feature in reducing our carbon footprint is more environmentally friendly vehicle use. In order to measure our progress against our challenge, we have a contractual Key Performance Indicator (KPI) measuring “the percentage reduction of the total mass of CO2 produced by the contractor’s vehicle fleet in delivery of the service per thousand pounds of the contract, compared to the baseline year”, which is the 1st of May 2008 - 30th April 2009, the first year of the contract.
In order to achieve a reduction in CO2, all fleet vehicles are a minimum Euro 4 emissions standard. We are moving towards Euro 5 standard as they become available. We have also installed speed restrictors in vehicles to promote more efficient driving, and enforce regular maintenance regimes to ensure vehicles are running as economically as possible.
Since the contract started we have been collecting data in order to report CO2 emissions from the fleet. Each month, fuel usage is monitored and analysed using DEFRA assumptions to calculate a carbon emissions figure which is then divided by contract turnover for the month in question. The DEFRA calculator is the most accurate and nationally recognised metric for the calculation of carbon emissions.
However, in order to gain a direct comparison against the previous highways service provider's carbon emissions we undertook a conversion of the fuel consumption to produce a carbon tonnage based upon distance travelled. Using this data conversion we have been able to measure a figure of 0.10 tonnes of CO2 in delivery of the service per £1000 of the Contract (see graph one). The “Amey Quarter 1” figure is based on an average of June and July 2008 data extrapolated to an annual figure (3374T) against an expected turnover of £35m.
Our client, Hampshire County Council, has confirmed that 5441 tonnes of CO2 was produced by their previous service provider. This figure, divided by the previous provider's annual turnover of £31 million indicates that 0.18 tonnes of CO2 was produced per £1000 spent in delivery of the service (see graph one).
Graph One:
*Amey based on Average fuel consumption annualised to capture full year
By comparing the total tonnage of CO2 produced by the previous service provider (5441 tonnes) with the Amey Quarter 1 figure (3374 tonnes), we can demonstrate a 44% reduction in CO2 emissions.
DEFRA Analysis
From May 2008 to the end of October, 904 tonnes of CO2 have been produced against turnover of £19.7m. Using the DEFRA assumptions, we are also able to monitor our impact on air quality in the form of Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) and Particulate Matter (PM) (both measured in kg, as per Graphs Three and Four).
Graph Two: (Using DEFRA calculations)
Graph Three:
Graph Four:
The focus is not just on fleet vehicles – the above data also encompasses company car use. We have encouraged company car drivers to select a greener choice of vehicle. Each band of vehicle within the Amey company car list has a “green option” available. These are smaller, have lower emissions, are significantly more economic on fuel and are taxed at a lower rate. In October 2008, a “Green Fleet Day” took place at our Micheldever depot and all company car drivers were invited to attend and test drive a selection of “greener choice” cars.
The contract head office, Sheridan House, Winchester, has a Toyota Prius Hybrid available for use as a pool car by those travelling around Hampshire. We also trialled the Honda Civic Hybrid during October and November as an additional pool car, and the feedback from those that drove it was extremely positive.
The contract is currently embarking on a project to improve the way we measure and monitor fleet CO2 data, whilst helping roll-out initiatives to improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions and increase productivity of our vehicle fleet.
Outcome
Our bid for the Hampshire Term Highways Contract had a significant emphasis on how Amey would limit the environmental impact of delivery. Meeting these requirements is key to ensuring we foster a strong, long term, positive working relationship with the client. Being able to demonstrate significant savings in emissions allows the client to assure taxpayers that they chose the right partner in Amey to deliver an efficient and environmentally friendly service. As our working practices and measurement methods continue to develop we hope to report further savings on the 44% reduction already achieved, and go on to meet our target of reducing our CO2 output year-on-year.