New Eco-Friendly Testing for Emergency Services

Avon Fire and Rescue Service has made a groundbreaking announcement – they have successfully completed testing for the use of sustainable alternative fuel in their fleet of vehicles. This marks a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions and improving sustainability within the service.

The trial, spearheaded by the service’s Fleet, Technical and Environmental team, involved running one of their workshop vehicles on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) for over 1,000 miles. Remarkably, throughout the trial, there was no observed reduction in the vehicle’s performance, showcasing the viability of HVO as a renewable fuel option.

Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) is a sustainable fuel that can seamlessly replace diesel in engines without requiring any modifications to the vehicle. It boasts an impressive 80-90% reduction in emissions compared to traditional diesel, making it a game-changer in the fight against climate change. In fact, if Avon Fire and Rescue Service were to adopt HVO across all their diesel vehicles, they could potentially slash their annual CO2 emissions from 540 tonnes to a mere 7.6 tonnes.

Another key advantage of HVO is its extended shelf life – lasting ten years compared to the one-year lifespan of diesel before degradation begins. This longevity not only contributes to sustainability but also ensures efficiency in the long run.

Matt Derrick, the Head of Transport and Technical Services at Avon Fire and Rescue Service, expressed his satisfaction with the trial’s success, stating, “In an era where environmental concerns and operational efficiency are paramount, reducing emissions has become a crucial objective for us as an emergency service to meet our sustainability targets. We are excited to explore the potential of HVO and other renewable energy sources as we move forward with our sustainability initiatives. We are now in the process of introducing HVO to some of our euro 6 Volvo fire engines, as well as all euro 6 ancillary vehicles, including cars and vans.”

Moreover, alongside the environmental benefits, lab tests conducted before and after the trial revealed a significant decrease in engine wear when HVO was used, further underscoring the advantages of this sustainable fuel.

This progressive move by Avon Fire and Rescue Service sets a commendable example for other organisations looking to enhance their environmental stewardship and reduce their carbon footprint. By embracing innovative solutions like HVO, we can collectively work towards a greener, more sustainable future for all.

Image credit: iStock and Avon Fire and Rescue Service