Southwark Biodiesel
We worked with the London Borough of Southwark from 2003 - 2005 to make biodiesel a reality for its fleet. We conducted a feasibility study on the use of biodiesel on vehicles of various models running on 20% or 30% blends, with a view to testing its reliability and monitoring progress. Following a successful nine month trial, the fleet manager was satisfied that this fuel was the most sustainable and immediately applicable fuel for the fleet. From June 2005, 70 fleet vehicles were labelled with a rainbow symbol to demonstrate that they were using modified vegetable oil to move around the city. In 2005 it was estimated that 300,000 litres per year of 20% biodiesel was used by the Council fleet which:
- Saved 160 tonnes of CO2
- Reduced particulate emissions by 10%
- Reduced carbon monoxide by 13%
- Reduced unburnt hydrocarbons by 21%.
These savings are an important step to achieving the goals of Southwark's Air Quality Strategy and Implementation Plan, as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions from road transport.