The plans to substitute diesel for hydro-treated vegetable oil (HVO) will apply to vehicles used to deliver the council’s essential services. This will include both waste collections lorries and grounds maintenance vans.

According to the local authority, the transition is set to be ‘one of the most significant environmental improvements the council has made to its day-to-day operations’, with the move predicted to result in a 34% reduction in carbon emissions.

It serves as part of a broader goal to cut emissions across council services, providing an ‘immediate and reliable way’ to create a positive environmental impact where electrification is not currently an option.

The use of HVO is cost effective and simple, requiring no service downtime and contributing to lower maintenance costs, the council has confirmed.

However, the local authority has reinforced that shifting to an electric fleet ‘remains a long-term ambition’.

Cllr Neil Reeve, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Climate Change, said: ‘We are committed to delivering cleaner services for residents and to leading by example as we work towards a low carbon future - this move to HVO is a practical way to reduce our impact on the environment right now.

‘By using a fuel made from waste oils, we're showing that vital services can be delivered while taking meaningful action on climate change. This is good news for residents, for the environment and for our long-term sustainability goals, and I'm pleased to see it in place.’

The council has also provided reassurance that all HVO is sourced through the Renewable Fuel Supplier Accreditation Scheme, ensuring it is derived from genuine waste products.

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