Council net zero fleet strategy

Challenge

• Adur and Worthing Councils have set a target of net zero by 2030. The vehicle fleet is responsible for the majority of Council GHG emissions
• The fleet covers vehicles used for waste and recycling collection, street cleansing and grounds maintenance services. Refuse Collection Vehicles (RCV) produce 70% of the fleet emissions and are due for replacement before 2030.

Approach

• Ricardo assessed the fleet operations and requirements, the suitability of electric and hydrogen vehicles for Council operations 
• Scenarios for achievable fleet transition to zero-emissions were developed
• GHG savings, vehicle and operational costs, and infrastructure requirements were evaluated for each scenario including for battery electric vs hydrogen RCVs 
• Potential synergies of a local hydrogen hub were explored

Results

• By working closely with the Council team, Ricardo tailored a report to meet their needs which sets out a clear and viable path to achieve a zero-emission Council fleet and support the net-zero target  
• The report sets out the investment needs and provides the information needed to start planning for infrastructure provision. 
• This report was presented to Council officers and members and will inform their next steps.