In a bid to reduce carbon emissions produced by its 200-asset fleet, over 40 of which are electric vehicles, the local authority has announced that hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) will now be used to power its remaining diesel vehicles.

The council has reported an expected 90% reduction in carbon emissions and a 30% decrease in ‘harmful nitrogen oxide emissions’ following the transition, as well as lower maintenance costs for vehicles.

By switching to HVO fuel, the local authority hopes to accelerate its net zero agenda and achieve its ‘ambitious’ 2038 target.

Cllr Scott Patient, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Housing, said: ‘Where possible we’ve replaced vehicles with electric models, but this isn’t always suitable for every type of vehicle in the broad range which make up the council’s fleet – this has led us to explore alternative fuels.’

‘By switching to HVO powered vehicles, we’re leading the way in ending reliance on fossil fuels.’

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