The ECO Stars (Efficient and Cleaner Operations) Fleet Recognition Scheme, helps HGV, LGV, bus and coach fleet operators gain recognition for their commitment to improving efficiency, reducing fuel consumption and reducing emissions – all helping to improve local air quality and reduce greenhouse-gas emissions.
Free fleet profile and improvement “road map”
With no sign-up fee, help through the application process and tailor-made support for each individual company, fleet operators are being encouraged to improve their fleet profile through:
- Fuel management
- Developing driver skills
- Vehicle specification and maintenance
- Use of IT support systems
- Fleet performance monitoring
Joining the scheme offers operators the opportunity to cut costs by up to £2,300* per vehicle and improve environmental performance by cutting fuel consumption. ECO Stars is helping its members to keep on top of advancements in technology in the field of fleet management.
Key to the ECO Stars scheme is the bespoke ‘Road map’ action plan developed for each new member to help them progress to higher ratings levels. The ‘Road map’ is a free efficiency review of each Member’s operations on joining the scheme.
Keeping on top of new fleet technology
Since the development of the original ECO Stars Scheme in autumn 2008, both time and vehicle technology have moved on. The value and success of the scheme is driven by the assessment criteria that is applied to Members’ fleets.
The vehicle and fleet assessment criteria that lead to the ECO Stars ratings (for individual vehicles and the overall operation) are an important part of the way the scheme operates. However, the upcoming Euro VI standard was not fully recognised in 2008 and was not included in the original scheme criteria.
Investment by ECO Stars into a review of the scheme assessment criteria keeps the scheme credible and relevant. Changes to the assessment criteria include:
a) Extending the star rating upwards to give coverage to newest technologies (Euro VI) by the scheme; and
b) Increasing the minimum standard necessary to receive recognition for individual vehicles while still welcoming operators of older vehicles into the scheme and rewarding emission reduction or operational efficiencies applied to their vehicles.
It is therefore important for the scheme criteria to remain up-to-date and for members to keep the their ECO Stars membership updated with any changes to their fleet – improvements to fleet management could lead to star rating upgrade (up to the maximum 5 star rating).
Safeguarding rights of existing ECO Stars members
Existing members affected by the improved assessment criteria keep their current star rating for their vehicles and overall operation for a defined period of time (i.e. they receive ‘grandfather’ rights).
Existing top-rated ECO Star members now have the incentive to show continuous improvement, and aim higher, and those consulted during the process welcomed the changes made that ensure the scheme keeps up to date.
Growth into new areas
The scheme has expanded to include other regions leading to a much greater membership.
The ECO Stars schemes operate in the following areas of the UK:
– South Yorkshire
– Mid-Devon
– Gedling (Nottinghamshire)
– Thurrock
– Edinburgh
– Falkirk
More areas are likely to join the scheme in the coming months!
For more information on ECO Stars scheme call the ECO Stars Team on 01543 416 416, email ecostars@ttr-ltd.com
South Yorkshire scheme website:
http://www.care4air.org/ecostars
EU ECO Stars overview of Schemes:
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