Roadmap launched for green fleet

Green and clean fleet future on the horizon

A roadmap outlining Logan City Council’s transition to a greener and cleaner vehicle and plant fleet was adopted this week.

The Green Fleet – Sustainable Fleet Strategy 2021-2026 will underpin Council’s eco-friendly corporate identity.

Governance Chair Councillor Natalie Willcocks said the strategy would establish the direction and detail initiatives to assist Council in its goal to be a carbon neutral and green city by the end of this year.

“Through the strategy we will also be responding to Queensland and Commonwealth emissions targets and supporting Queensland’s target to achieve zero net emissions by 2050,” Cr Willcocks said.

“We plan to further reduce Council’s energy costs and carbon footprint through innovation and new technology.

“Council has a proud history of environmental action, strategy and leadership and we hope the Green Fleet Strategy will inspire other Local Governments to progress their sustainable fleet initiatives.”

Under the strategy Council aims to achieve a 20 percent reduction in pollution and waste and have half of its passenger vehicle fleet transitioned to either electric or hybrid by 2026.

All passenger vehicles purchased will be rated against the Green Vehicle Guide’s CO2 emissions meter and must achieve 10 litres or less fuel consumption for each 100kms.

Governance Deputy Chair Councillor Karen Murphy said as a major user of fleet, plant, fuel and oils, it was important for Council to deliver positive changes to the environment both directly and indirectly.

“Sustainability needs to be firmly embedded into our way of thinking about fleet management practices as Council’s vehicles and plant play an active role in delivering services to the community,” Cr Murphy said.

“The Green Fleet strategy will bring benefits to our community and the environment through cleaner air with less polluting emissions.

“It will also help to preserve resources through the use of more renewables and encourage green behaviours to increase awareness and sustainable practices.”

The strategy is underpinned by four targets including:

• Manage, minimise, and control air pollutants and waste from vehicles, plant and infrastructure used in Council operations;
• Manage driver and vehicle behaviour that directly impact emissions;
• Develop energy reduction strategies and continuously review the viability of alternative energy sources, and;
• Drive cultural change, training and education.

A list is currently being compiled of potential Council sites which could house charging facilities for electric vehicles.

Efficiency savings will help to fund the sustainable fleet initiatives and projects.