The eight-month trial carried out by HDC, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, and Cambridgeshire Constabulary, involved the switch from fossil fuels to hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) to power the council’s fleet vehicles.

HVO is now being used to fuel each of the council’s 95 vehicles following the unanimous result of a cabinet vote in September.

According to the council, the move has already resulted in emissions being cut by around 30%, or 1,100 tonnes of CO2 annually.

Alongside the council’s fleet vehicles, the trial also included the fire service and seven police vehicles, with both departments confirming the positive effects of the transition and noting the ‘unchanged performance in their vehicles’.

Cllr Sarah Conboy, Executive Leader for HDC, said: ‘We have taken our responsibility to reduce carbon emissions seriously. This trial shows that practical, innovative solutions can deliver real change without disrupting essential services.

She added: ‘As more councils and public bodies explore alternatives to fossil fuels, we hope our experience demonstrates that bold action is possible now. Climate change demands urgency, and this project is a clear example of how local authorities can take decisive steps to reduce emissions while continuing to deliver for residents. We’re proud to lead the way and will keep pushing for cleaner, greener solutions across all our operations.’

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