D4.9 ECOSTARS guide for local authorities

ECOSTARS Guide
Handbook for local authorities
Co-funded by the Intelligent Energy Europe
Programme of the European Union
Author
Michela Fioretto, Institute of Studies for the Integration of Systems (ISIS),
Rome, Italy
Reviewed by
Mark Fell, Transport & Travel Research Ltd, London, UK
Dagmar Röller, Polis, Brussels, Belgium
Issued by
ECOSTARS Europe
www.ecostars-europe.eu
Table of Contents
— About ECOSTARS Europe
— The origins
— ECOSTARS Assessment
— Local Promotion & Marketing
— The recruitment
— ECOSTARS Local Scheme Management Processes
— Dos & Don’ts
— ECOSTARS to date
— Case Studies: the Basque Region
— Case Studies: Cantabria (ES)
— Case Studies: Edinburgh (UK)
— Case Studies: Ostrava (CZ)
— Case Studies: Parma (IT)
— Case Studies: Rotterdam (NL)
— Case Studies: the Swedish Region (SE)
— Case Studies: South Yorkshire
— The available material
4
5
6–11
12–13
14–15
16
17
18–21
22–23
24–25
26–27
28–29
30–31
32–33
34
36–37
38
2
Introduction
Air pollution is a local, pan-European and hemispheric issue. Air pollutants
released in one country may be transported in the atmosphere, contributing to or
resulting in poor air quality elsewhere. Particulate matter and ground-level ozone,
are now generally recognised as the two pollutants that most significantly affect
human health. Long-term and peak exposures to these pollutants range in severity
of impact, from impairing the respiratory system to premature death. As reported
by the European Environmental Agency (EEA), in recent years, up to 40% of
Europe’s urban population may have been exposed to ambient concentrations of
coarse PM (PM10) above the EU limit set to protect human health. Up to 50%
of the population living in urban areas may have been exposed to levels of ozone
that exceed the EU target value. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in air has been
estimated to reduce life expectancy in the EU by more than eight months.
In this framework the ECOSTARS recognition scheme aims at helping to enhance
local air quality and health by assuring commitment to improve efficiency in the
operation of HGV, LGV, bus and coach fleets, thereby reducing fuel consumption
and hence emissions. ECOSTARS can in fact provide local and regional authorities
a means to engage with fleet operators and to encourage them to invest in their
environmental fleet performance.
This handbook illustrates to local authorities how the ECOSTARS recognition
scheme works and explains the easy steps to be followed to implement the
scheme locally.
After a brief introduction to the ECOSTARS scheme and its origins this handbook
gives an overview of the results achieved to date by areas where the scheme
is already in place. The following sections then provide local authorities with
practical information and guidance on how to set up a marketing plan and launch
the scheme. Finally, there are references to additional useful materials for people
interested in implementing the ECOSTARS scheme in their local area.
3
About ECOSTARS Europe
The ECOSTARS Project
ECOSTARS was a 3-year project funded by the Executive Agency for Small and
Medium Enterprises (EASME) II Programme for 2010. Started in June 2011, it
established a number of fleet recognition schemes in European cities and regions
to support energy efficient, cleaner commercial goods and passenger vehicle
movements.
ECOSTARS main aim is to achieve
a reduction in the energy used by
commercial and passenger transport
fleets through the increased adoption
of fuel efficiency measures. This would
achieve benefits for participants by
adopting more efficient operations,
reducing fuel costs, with the benefits of
improving local air quality for all citizens
and reducing carbon production.
At the same time, ECOSTARS enables
both the promotion of best practice in
fleet operations and improved engagement between local/regional governments
and commercial fleet operators.
The scheme is open to operators of all types of commercial vehicles across all sectors
of activity (private and public sector) and of all sizes. Operators joining the scheme
benefit from:
• Recognition at vehicle and operational levels for current energy efficient
operations by awarding a star rating between 1 and 5
• Support in identifying measures, which improve environmental and fuel saving
performance, potentially leading to increased star ratings over time
• Additional opportunities for enhanced recognition for progression through the
star ratings
• Opportunities to raise the operational and environmental profile, particularly in
the eyes of other operators, customers, and local communities
4
The origins
Background and origins of the scheme
The original ECOSTARS scheme was established in South Yorkshire in 2009 as part
of a regional Air Quality Initiative. As heavy industry in South Yorkshire declined,
the impact of road transport on local air quality had increased, with commercial
vehicles making a significant contribution to local emissions, in terms of pollutants
and greenhouse gases.
ECOSTARS originally grew out of the Care4Air scheme in South Yorkshire where
the partner authorities together with NHS Barnsley (Public Health) and the
South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive were targeting pollution and the
consequential detrimental effect on health in several areas of the country.
The need to improve ambient air quality across South Yorkshire was a major
driver in the instigation of the ECOSTARS scheme. All four South Yorkshire
Local Authorities declared air quality management areas (AQMAs) due to the
exceedance of the annual average objective for the polluting gas nitrogen dioxide
(NO2). In addition, Sheffield City Council declared as additional AQMA for
exceedance of the 24-hour mean objective for fine inhalable particles (PM10).
The Regional Air Quality Initiative managers were eager to assist road transport
operators by encouraging them to invest in and improve their fleet environmental
performance, including maximising carbon savings. The ECOSTARS Fleet
Recognition that was subsequently developed was seen as an appropriate way of
providing public recognition for operators of commercial vehicles who are active
in taking steps to improve efficiency, reduce fuel consumption and reduce their
impact on local air quality.
The Scheme assessment criteria has been update since the initial launch in South
Yorkshire, accommodating the developments in vehicle technology, alternative
fuels and operational support systems available to operators. The criteria will be
reviewed regularly with the next due in 2016.
5
ECOSTARS Assessment
Overview of assessment criteria — vehicle and operations
The assessment process is straightforward and easy for members. The ECOSTARS local
managers take the operator through each stage of the process, giving new members a
hassle free way through the assessment stage.
There are six key principles, which the ECOSTARS scheme uses and which are the
foundations of fleet operational efficiency. These are:
Fleet Composition — Operating newer, ‘cleaner’ vehicles,
with higher Euro engine emission standards and on-board
technology to minimise engine idling and to monitor
fuel consumption and driver performance — all helping
to drive down fuel use and minimise vehicle emissions.
Fuel Management — Fuel management programme measures
could include having a ‘fuel champion’ appointed, monitoring
fleet and individual vehicle level fuel consumption, annual litres
of fuel consumed and annual fuel spend, as well as implementing
mechanisms to raise awareness of the importance of fuel as a
precious resource within the operation.
Driver skills development — Driver skills development and
performance management measures could include training in
safe and fuel efficient driving techniques (Eco-driving), driver
fuel incentive schemes, driver performance league tables, and
monitoring of individual driver fuel efficiency.
6
Vehicle Specification/Preventative Maintenance —
Robust vehicle specification processes would include ensuring
that the most appropriate vehicle is specified for the planned
task — making sure each vehicle is fit for purpose and that
vehicle whole life costs have been taken into account to look at
the future projected operating costs, in addition to the original
purchase or lease price. Preventative maintenance ensures
operational efficiency on an ongoing basis, ensuring tyres are
correctly inflated, rips and tears on curtains are repaired and
aerodynamic styling equipment is correctly adjusted.
Use of IT Support Systems — Operational support systems
could include the use of IT to maximise vehicle and driver
efficiency and minimise fuel consumption, such as routing and
scheduling software or other telematics systems, including
driver and vehicle performance monitoring equipment to
identify negative behaviours such as over-revving, harsh braking,
harsh acceleration and excessive idling time.
Performance Monitoring and Management —
Performance monitoring and targeting systems can include the
use of key performance indicators (KPIs) to record and report
efficiency for a wide range of aspects of your operation, from
fuel efficiency for individual vehicles, through to fuel used per
journey, annual fuel consumption and target annual savings.
Systems should have robust processes for collecting, analysing,
cleansing and interpreting data, as well as setting and reviewing
targets on a regular basis.
7
The procedure to be followed
The schemes rates individual vehicles and the fleet overall road transport operation
using star rating criteria (from 1 to 5), to recognise levels of operational and
environmental performance.
Each member signing up the scheme receive tailor-made support to ensure that
their fleet is running as efficiently and economically as possible in order to help them
progress to higher ratings.
A system of ‘booster stars’ has been devised to allow additional recognition, above
basic engine emission standards, to be provided for use of cleaner vehicle fuels and
technologies and in cab driver and vehicle performance monitoring equipment.
The principle behind using these ‘booster stars’ is to encourage applicants to think
beyond merely the Euro engine standards of their fleets and to consider additional
technology, which could help to improve the efficiency and environmental
performance of both their vehicles and drivers.
On first joining the scheme, vehicle fleet operators receive their individual best
practice ‘Road Map’ — an action plan - with recommendations on how to improve
their performance, including measures to reduce fuel consumption, enhance
driver incentive schemes and enlarging their key performance indicators. These
recommendations are based on industry best practice most appropriate to the
operator.
The people responsible for the launch and management of the scheme locally — the
Local Scheme Managers (LSM) — should be supported by the Local Scheme Auditor
(LSA) in delivering local ECOSTARS schemes at the target area. To this end, Auditors
are responsible for:
• Carrying out site visits to operators to learn about the company, discuss the
audit process and recruit the new member to a local scheme
• Assessing the fleet based on the provision of requested information
• Preparing and issuing Road Maps to improve energy/operational efficiency to
new members
• Carrying out re-assessment where operational ratings may change Notifying
LSMs that new members can be certified
8
The Site Visits
Site visits should only be carried out with operators who have already indicated that
they are interested in joining the scheme, but want to find out more before they
commit to making a membership application, or have decide to join the scheme.
However, it is recognised that there
may occasionally be cases whereby
LSMs or LSAs need to have an initial
meeting with operators to promote the
benefits of joining the scheme, before
a decision is made by the operator to
join. This may then require additional
visits to talk through or assist with the
application process, or deal with other
queries that arise.
LSMs and LSA should be cautious to
avoid committing resources to multiple meetings with an operator if they feel that
there is low likelihood of them joining a scheme.
It is recommended that a site visit to an operator should consist of only one staff
member from a LSA, and an expected typical duration of a site visit would be 60
— 90 minutes.
The recruitment of operators, conducted through referrals, phone, email and
other forms of communication with LSMS will enable LSAs to use operator site
visits to:
• Explain the background of the ECOSTARS scheme, and benefits to the operator
• Learn information about the company and operation
• Explain the auditing process
• Talk through the application process, including the information and
documentation requirements
When operators have indicated that they wish to join, prior to the site visit, it should be
used to complete the application process and discuss relevant activities and procedures
which are used to compile the Road Map.
9
Ideally prior to the meeting, LSAs should provide electronic copies of both the operator
application form, and the vehicle fleet spreadsheet, for the operator to complete, and
submit. LSAs should also take and keep their own notes to refer to when reviewing the
application form and vehicle fleet spreadsheet.
With some applicants it may be appropriate to carry out an initial assessment on-site
with the operator to give an indication of the likely rating they will achieve. This can then
be confirmed later off-site
The Fleet Auditing
As previously explained the LSAs can also use the site visits to operators to complete
the auditing process. The auditing process will consist of a number of checks that
LSAs may use to ensure that the information contained within application forms
is accurate. The checks would cover the six operational themes and may include:
• Fleet composition: observing in-vehicle fittings for Telematics/Fuel Monitoring Systems.
Comparisons between the year of registration and the Euro Engine standard.
• Fuel management programme: Presence of maintenance/fuel storage facilities;
Invoices/certificates of alternative fuel use.
• Driver skills development and performance management programme: Observations of
driver information display boards (eco-driving, fuel awareness etc.).
• Robust vehicle specification process and preventative maintenance programme.
• Use of operational support systems: observations of IT systems in use.
• Performance monitoring and targeting system: visible performance graphs or tables.
Operators may submit other documents in support of the application form and
vehicle fleet spreadsheet. Supporting documents that have been submitted
previously include:
• Depot operating schedules
• Tacho-graph infringement data
• ISO 9001 Certificates and Environmental Statements/Policies
• Driver Daily Check Log Forms / Maintenance Record Sheets
• Vehicle Mileage Logs
• Bio-Diesel Purchase Certificates
Any supporting information submitted as part of applications can be used in
support of the auditing process.
10
The Assessment procedure
The assessment process, described above, and Road Map production are
conducted by the LSA. Once the assessment process has been completed, LSA
should notify the LSM that the member can be formally certified.
ASSESS
VEHICLE
RATINGS
CARRY OUT
PERCENTAGE
CALCULATION
OF FLEET
CHECK THE
OPERATIONAL
PROCEDURES
GENERATE
OVERALL
OPERATIONAL
STAR
RATING
The initial assessment is of the vehicles in the operator’s fleet, and looks at engine
types, fuel type, fuel efficiency elements, anti-idling settings and in cab driver aids.
The vehicle ratings across the fleet are then converted into percentages of 1 — 5
star vehicles. This information is captured in the vehicle fleet spreadsheet.
The second part of the assessment looks at operating practices that occur within the
organisation. The assessment of the operational processes is less quantitative than
the vehicle assessment procedure, with operators needing to specify within their
application form that their operating processes include the main elements of each of
the operational categories:
• Fuel Management
• Driver Skills Development
• Vehicle Specification/Preventative Maintenance
• Operational Support Systems
• Performance Monitoring and Targeting
Based on the percentage of fleet vehicles achieving star rating, and at higher levels,
additional management practices implemented, operators will be allocated an
overall operational star rating.
Interested local authorities are recommended to refer to the following other
resources:
• D2.1 ECOSTARS State of the Art Review
• D2.3 Guide to transferability and recommendations
• D3.3 ECOSTARS Auditing User Guide
These resources, which can be found in the download section of ECOSTARS
website, provide further information and content not covered within this guide.
11
Local Promotion & Marketing
Local Marketing Plan guidance
Prior to launching a local scheme there are a number of assets that need to be
prepared. These include:
• Marketing and promotion resources, such as:
«« Local Scheme Website, or Web Pages on the relevant LSM’s Website
«« Local Scheme Leaflet
«« Scheme Logo
«« Scheme Member’s Logo
«« Local Scheme Newsletter template
• Application process items, such as:
«« Application Guidance Form
«« Application Form
«« Vehicle Upgrade Form
«« Vehicle/Fleet Sheet template
• Member Documents, such as:
«« Operator welcome Letter
«« Operator Certificate
«« Vehicle Windscreen Decals1
«« Body Panel Vehicle Stickers2
«« Road Map Template
Supplementary promotional materials could be produced to assist in the marketing
and recruitment activities of the local schemes. These could include:
• Promotional materials for members, e.g. pens and mugs
• A pull up display banner for local schemes, to be used at events
• Business cards with contact details for local scheme managers for circulation
• Adverts to be used in the trade press
• Promotional videos for use in electronic and viral marketing
Local Scheme Website
Local Scheme Website, or LSM Web Pages, should initially include:
• Background information on the scheme
• Benefits to operators of joining the scheme
• The application criteria
• Scheme application forms and guidance notes to be downloaded
• Contact details of local scheme managers
• A Contact Us Form
The vehicle windscreen decals consist of five separate versions, one for each star rating. These should be printed onto ‘gloss clear self-cling vinyl’.
The body panel vehicle stickers should be printed onto ‘self-adhesive vehicle vinyl’ though these are typically only requested by a small proportion
of members.
1
2
12
As local scheme develops, website should subsequently include:
• Members of the local scheme, with an explanatory profile of the operator, and
the overall operator star rating
• News and other information as available that will be of interest to scheme
members such as Newsletters, meeting notes and local, regional or national
initiative information sheets
Launch Event
The launch event for a local scheme should ideally be held at the depot of one of
the operators recruited during the pre-launch recruitment phase. Subject to the
star rating awarded to the operator, if the operator is certified as five stars, it is
recommended that the launch event should coincide with the presentation of a
five stars plaque by the local dignitary. Alternatively the LSM can host the launch
event at a suitable location. In either case consideration should be given to the
photo opportunity presented and the use of operator vehicles to act as a photo
back-drop.
It is recommended that representatives from the following bodies are invited to
attend the launch event:
• The local press, such as radio, web, newspaper and local TV
• Local authority councillors and/or officers from departments such as Air
Quality, Environment and Transport
• Central Government departments such as Air Quality, Environment, Health and
Transport
• Associations representing the freight/haulage and passenger transport
industries
• Inaugural scheme members who will be presented with their certificates
Following the launch event, it is essential that a press release is prepared, agreed
and circulated to achieve the maximum exposure for the scheme.
Event Participation
Opportunities to present the local scheme to potential members of different
sectors should be taken whenever possible. Events which might attract the
following individuals from organisations operating fleets are particular important:
• Fleet managers
• Operations or Logistic managers
• Environmental or Corporate Responsibility managers
• Business Development managers
13
The recruitment
The main recruitment activities
Pre-Launch Recruitment
Prior to the launching of a local scheme, it is recommended that a scheme has a
minimum of four to five carefully selected operators already recruited who can act
as inaugural members. It is recommended that these include:
• The local authority’s own vehicle fleet
• A local public transport operator
• Two or three fleet operators including local haulage, courier or distribution firms
which may operate in the area of the new scheme. Ideally these would already
be familiar with the ECOSTARS concept and easier to recruit as members.
Initial Operators Contact
Where a contact email address is available, it is recommended that initial contact is
carried out via email, with suggested content including:
• Brief history of the local scheme
• Existing members
• Local scheme website link
• Benefits of membership
• Reasons why the scheme is relevant to the operator
• How easy it is to join the scheme
In case of no email available, it is recommended that initial contact is made via
telephone to introduce the scheme, with information to be emailed over if
applicable.
Follow-up Contact
Regardless of the initial form of contact with operators, follow up by email and/or
telephone calls should be attempted. The aims of the initial and follow up contact
with operators are to persuade the operator of the benefits of the scheme so that
they accept to complete an application form or set up a meeting to discuss the
scheme in further details or talk to the operator through the application process.
Additionally, a good method for attracting members is to encourage existing
contacts to promote to their colleagues and competitors in the same industry
sectors.
14
Secondary Sellers
Engaging with key secondary sellers of the scheme is an important way to help
make potential members aware of the scheme as well as adding kudos to the
scheme form receiving positive support from third-parties. If secondary sellers are
engaged with the scheme, then a number of potential members will be attracted
to the scheme without need to carry out time-expensive recruitment activity.
Secondary sellers may include organisations such as:
• Associations for freight/haulage and passenger transport industries
• Business associations such as Chambers of Commerce, Business Improvement
Districts or Clubs
• Professional institutions
15
ECOSTARS Local Scheme Management
Processes
Local Scheme Management Support
•Administration
•Local Scheme meetings and management
•Responding to queries
•Local progress reports
•Management of Website Editorial Content
LAUNCH OF
THE SCHEME
Local Scheme Promotion and Recruitment
• Research and Telemarketing
• Press release and press liaison
•Liaison with industry bodies and events
•Recruitment outreach to potential new
members
Auditing of Applications
•Site visits to interview members
•Assessment of applications and auditing
•Development of Roadmaps for members
Ongoing Membership Services
•Periodic calls to members
•Re-assessment for longer term members
•Local newsletters and information
•Additional members benefits
16
Dos & Don’ts
Dos and don’ts in scheme management
• Adapt the scheme strategy to the specific culture and social
environment.
• Make use of a Reference/Steering Group as communication link to
freight operators.
DOS
• Take advantage of involved stakeholders for future local scheme
funding support.
• Provide a clear message on evident incentives for potential members
to join the scheme.
• Organise workshops among members in order to share and exchange
experiences.
• Don’t organise the launch event if insufficient demand for attendance
is likely.
• Don’t forget to maintain periodic contact with scheme members.
• Don’t let too much time pass between the fleet audit and the Road
Map being issued.
• Don’t forget to regularly update the local scheme website with news
and other information of interest for scheme members.
• Don’t keep out at first glance an operator because of an unusual
working environment of the fleet.
17
DON’TS
ECOSTARS to date
Successes to date3
Seven local ECOSTARS schemes have been implemented through European
ECOSTARS along with further support for the original South Yorkshire (UK)
scheme.
BASQUE REGION (ES)
• More than 200 fleet operators contacted
• 24 current members
• 2’150 audited vehicles
• average star rating ««««
This scheme is being developed and implemented within the EC supported
ECOSTARS project between 2011 and 2014.
Scheme Manager: Basque Logistics Institute (IVL)
Contact: [email protected]
Website: www.ecostars-euskadi.org
CANTABRIA (ES)
• More than 60 fleet operators contacted
• 44 current members
• 1’850 audited vehicles
• average star rating ««««
This scheme is being developed and implemented within the EC supported
ECOSTARS project between 2011 and 2014.
Scheme Manager: Foundation Innovation Centre on Integral Logistics
Cantabria (CTL)
Contact: [email protected]
Website: www.ecostars-cantabria.es
3
Data updated at 31/03/2014.
18
CITY OF EDINBURGH (UK)
• More than 260 fleet operators contacted
• over 40 current members
• 3’150 audited vehicles
• average star rating ««««
This scheme is being developed and implemented within the EC supported
ECOSTARS project between 2011 and 2014.
Scheme Manager: City of Edinburgh Council with support from Transport &
Travel Research Ltd (TTR)
Contact: [email protected]
Website: www.ecostars-edinburgh.org
CITY OF OSTRAVA (CZ)
• More than 60 fleet operators contacted
• 9 current members
• 1’200 audited vehicles
• average star rating ««
This scheme is being developed and implemented within the EC supported
ECOSTARS project between 2011 and 2014.
Scheme Manager: Transport Research Centre (CDV)
Contact: [email protected]
Website: www.ecostars-ostrava.cz
19
CITY OF PARMA (IT)
• More than 400 fleet operators contacted
• 30 current members
• 3’400 audited vehicles
• average star rating ««««
This scheme is being developed and implemented within the EC supported
ECOSTARS project between 2011 and 2014.
Scheme Manager: Infomobility SpA
Contact: [email protected]
Website: www.ecostars-parma.org
CITY OF ROTTERDAM (NL)
• More than 40 fleet operators contacted
• 40 current members
• 4’900 audited vehicles
• average star rating ««««
This scheme is being developed and implemented within the EC supported
ECOSTARS project between 2011 and 2014.
Scheme Manager: Municipality of Rotterdam
Contact: [email protected]
Website: www.ecostars-rotterdam.nl
20
SOUTH EAST SWEDEN (SE)
• More than 60 fleet operators contacted
• 15 current members
• 730 audited vehicles
• average star rating «««««
This scheme is being developed and implemented within the EC supported
ECOSTARS project between 2011 and 2014.
Scheme Manager: Energy Agency for Southeast Sweden
Contact: [email protected]
Website: www.ecostars-sydost.se
SOUTH YORKSHIRE (UK)
• More than 230 fleet operators contacted
• 80 current members
• 6’630 audited vehicles
• average star rating ««««
The original ECOSTARS scheme on which the project builds. It has been
operational since 2009. It is receiving support from the EC as part of the
ECOSTARS project between 2011 and 2014.
Scheme Manager: Transport & Travel Research Ltd (TTR) in collaboration
with Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council and South Yorkshire partners
Contact: [email protected]
Website: www.care4air.org/ecostars/index.html
21
Case Studies: the Basque Region
The Basque Region local scheme
In the presence of over 50 stakeholders from the transport sector, ECOSTARS
in the Basque region was launched in February 2012 in Donostia-San Sebastián.
Inaugural scheme member Donosti Bus explained during the event how San
Sebastian’s public transport operator was convinced by ECOSTARS from the very
first moment: “Cooperation is a major benefit as well as the scheme’s help to
compare, develop and improve”, said Managing Director Gerardo Lertxundi.
Among the most important aspects always taken into account during the fleet
audit there is the possible use of an advanced fuel management program, essential
to achieve long-term improvements in fuel efficiency. There are a wide range of
practical measures that can be implemented in operations to help manage fuel
consumption; for example, the development of a number of indicators to monitor
operational fuel consumption, setting performance targets and providing a solid
platform for the other measures already in place.
In addition to the package of advice received through membership of ECOSTARS,
the Basque auditors took advantage of the free efficient driving courses that the
Basque Energy Board (EVE) had already put in place on regular basis, and directed
fleet operators to these courses to enhance their drivers’ skills.
Another aspect always considered by the auditors is the implementation of a
procedure to ensure the vehicles’ efficiency through a regular revision of tyre
condition and pressure, in addition to periodic inspections. Likewise, it is also
recommended to have a good understanding of the concept of ‘vehicle whole life
costing’.
22
GRUPO LECHE PASCUAL
Grupo Leche Pascual S.A. (also known as Leche Pascual Group) is one of Spain’s
leading producers of milk and dairy products, and of bottled mineral water and fruit
juices. The company is extremely active on the export market, with sales in more
than 60 countries worldwide--including the United States, where Leche Pascual
became the first dairy products importer to receive the all-important “Grade A”
certification.
In 2012, the company joined the
ECOSTARS
scheme
with
761
vehicles including vehicles powered
by electricity, natural gas and LPG.
The company achieved an overall
operational rating of five stars — the
highest level. This result is due to
special attention put on environmental
aspects of their business. The Grupo
Leche Pascual, represented by the
CEO, Tomas Pascual, and the General
Director Ignacio Garcia- Cano, received
the ECOSTARS certificate from Oskar
Royuela, managing director of IVL,
Basque Logistics Institute, the local
scheme manager. The award ceremony
was attended by many Authorities
representatives such as the Minister
of Agriculture, Food and Environment,
Miguel Arias Cahete, the Secretary of
State for Environment, Federico Ramos,
the Minister of the Environment of the
Community of Madrid, Borja Saraso,
and a representative of Environment
and Mobility Department of the City of
Madrid, Diego Sanjuanbenito.
23
Case Studies: Cantabria (ES)
The Cantabria local scheme
Located in the very north of Spain, Cantabria faces the challenge of being a peripheral
region with a highly dispersed population. With a large dependency on road transport
the region decided to set up a regional ECOSTARS scheme to encourage fleet operators
to adopt a more sustainable approach.
The interest raised by ECOSTARS in
Cantabria has been very important. In
fact the main business associations and
companies, both in the field of freight
and passenger transport, have welcomed
the project enthusiastically and are fully
involved in its development.
As stated by the General Director for
Transport and Communication — Mr.
Fermin Llaguno-Mazas — Cantabria
is a region highly dependent on road
transport for the economic development.
An ECOSTARS sticker on a bus of bus company ALSA in Cantabria.
This dependence, without infrastructure
Photo: CTL Cantabria
developments, led to seek other
solutions, in line with a policy of sustainable transport, allowing both the reduction
of emissions and the public awareness of the necessity to move towards a culture in
which energy efficiency in transport is a priority. ECOSTARS was a great opportunity
to achieve these objectives, and made it possible to meet and exchange experiences at
European level, which will undoubtedly enrich knowledge and open new possibilities.
Cantabria wanted to go a little beyond the requirements of the project and together
with the certification system for vehicles and companies, the local scheme managers
wanted to undertake a thorough analysis of the sector at energy use. The audits carried
out in the companies with individual recommendations, adapted to the situation of
each company, hoping that their managers will take action to improve their energy
efficiency.
Cantabria’s example should encourage other regions to join ECOSTARS
schemes. At European level there is currently no equivalent quality seal to certify
that a transport fleet complies with the minimum energy efficiency standards.
24
ASTIBUS
Astibus is specialised in the design of urban and regional transport systems,
managing 20 networks in different Spanish cities, plus Marrakesh (Morocco).
Modern urban living, which brings greater mobility requirements, demand
efficient, high quality public transport in order to provide a solution to the problem
of congestion in our cities, making them more inhabitable for everybody.
To this end, Alsa City provides bespoke
local transport solutions, with an
approach which places special emphasis
on technological innovation (bus
operation systems, contactless chip
cards), respect for the environment
and public transport accessibility.
Conception of urban transport which
leads to solutions for cities and benefits
for all citizens in terms of quality-of-life.
Astibus, together with the other
principle passenger transport company
of Cantabria, TUS (Transporte Urbano
de Santander), took part to the ECOSTARS scheme and they have both been rated
3 stars. The two companies are characterised by an efficient fleet renovation plan
that decreased the average fleet age from 9 to 3 years. Moreover, TUS is deeply
committed to a sustainable development, incorporating the use of 100% biodiesel
in new buses purchased. For the older buses it uses in a mixture of 5% and it will
progressively be increased to reach 100%; by achieving that 2,400 tons of CO2 a
year will be saved. Passengers have started to become familiar with the ECOSTARS
decals, and it is expected that citizens’ awareness will increase and will actively
contribute in enhancing the importance of environmental sustainability in public
transport.
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Case Studies: Edinburgh (UK)
The Edinburgh local scheme
Edinburgh was the first Scottish local authority to introduce ECOSTARS. The scheme
was launched in Edinburgh in January 2012 involving council officials and inaugural
scheme members. 24 fleet operators have been recruited within the first 18 months of
the scheme, taking the number of vehicles registered to over 2,500. Members derive
from all transport sectors including freight and passenger transport, although the
majority of these operators transport goods.
The city of Edinburgh Council is pursuing
a range of measures towards improving
air quality for its residents, businesses
and visitors and it is committed to
doing so as far as possible through
voluntary means, and ECOSTARS is one
of such measures. Because ECOSTARS
assessment criteria are based on engine
EURO standards plus alternative fuels
use and operational enhancement, all
ECOSTARS schemes across Europe apply
common scheme standards. This allows
Malcolm Logistics is a 5-star member of the Edinburgh scheme.
national companies to be a member of
Photo: Malcolm Logistics Services
ECOSTARS Edinburgh and also any of the
six other UK ECOSTARS schemes in whose area they operate.
A number of the Edinburgh scheme’s inaugural members have undergone reassessment. One of those originally joined as a 3-star member but has since been
upgraded to 5-stars through the addition of a number of high quality vehicles to their
fleet and implementation of a number of operational improvements suggested through
ECOSTARS. Edinburgh’s ECOSTARS team hold regular meetings with members to
discuss topical issues and learn how the operators feel they could work with the Council
to best improve their environmental performance in the city. To stimulate discussion,
presentation and discussion sessions are developed to enable sharing of best-practice
and provide a forum to discuss current key issues.
Through the workshops with fleet operators the City of Edinburgh Council has gained
an insight into the world of fleet operators, their needs and priorities. Feedback about
the scheme and meeting outcomes are shared with the Council’s Transport and
Environment Committee, so providing a way to improve cooperation between the local
authority and operators.
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The ECOSTARS schemes already implemented operate in a local o regional
context: fleet operators in fact become members in which area they operate.
Hence, operators can become a member of more than one scheme if they
perform over a longer regional, national or event international territory.
It has been found that the consistent operational standards across different
schemes encourage multi-scheme membership, which helps additional local
authorities to adopt ECOSTARS and establish a way to engage with the respective
companies.
SAINSBURY’S DHL
Sainsbury’s was founded in 1869 by John James Sainsbury and his wife Mary Ann
Sainsbury (née Staples), in London, England, and grew rapidly during the Victorian
era, pioneering self-service retailing in the UK. In January 2014 Sainsbury’s became
the second largest supermarket chain. Today it operates over 1,106 supermarkets and
convenience stores and employs around 157,000 people.
High Street retailer Sainsbury’s has
signed up 56 vehicles to ECOSTARS
Edinburgh, receiving the maximum
Five Star rating. Respect for the
environment is a fundamental part of
the Sainsbury’s business strategy and
decision making process. One of the
biggest environmental impacts for their
logistics division is the movement of
goods between Sainsbury’s depots and
stores. As a result they continually focus
on ways to reduce their emissions by
being more efficient in their operations
and by trialling new technologies. Sainsbury’s uses fuel champions on each of their sites
to monitor fuel consumption and raise the awareness of the importance of fuel as a
precious resource within their operation. This includes a weekly and four weekly fuel
reports by vehicle, covering vehicle registration number, start and end kilometres, total
kilometres and fuel litres used per kilometre for every vehicle.
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Case Studies: Ostrava (CZ)
The Ostrava local scheme
The Statutory City of Ostrava (SCO)
aims to enhance air quality and runs
several initiatives and activities to
preserve citizens’ health and welfare. To
this end in 2010 a working group was
formed to find solutions for the region’s
air quality issues. In this framework
ECOSTARS has been welcomed as a tool
for achieving an improvement in local
air quality. The Ostrava local scheme
management recognises that knowledge
Spetra has achieved a 5-star rating as a member of the Ostrava
and fuel efficiency experience of
ECOSTARS scheme. Photo: Spetra CZ s.r.o
companies operating vehicle fleets is very
high. Fleet composition and equipment depend on own free investment resources;
state incentives (for public sector services oriented companies); and preparedness
to ask for incentives organizationally and financially (when allocating own co-financing
resources).
With regards to Road Maps developed by ECOSTARS Ostrava for scheme members it
has been found that:
• Operational efficiency improvement suggestions are most welcomed by operators
• Investments in clean technologies are linked to investment plans to buy new
vehicles, investment in upgrading older vehicles is not effective for operators
• ECOSTARS acts as an influence in new vehicle specifications.
The cooperation among SCO, Scheme managers CDV and Ostrava’s ECOSTARS
members has shown to be even more fruitful than predicted at the outset of the
project. Companies appreciate recognition as “ecological friendly transporters” by
SCO representatives and their potential customers.
With today’s experience it has become clear that ECOSTARS activities in Ostrava
would best work in a regional context. It is also important to start operator
recruitment with individual meetings followed by more detailed information by
email and from the local web site. Indeed, it is important to establish trust and
confidence when encouraging operators to exchange information.
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FRAMA CZ S.R.
FRAMA was found in 1990, from a family business, providing services in national
road transportation. The first vehicle was an older LIAZ truck. The company started
to employ the first employees and expanded its vehicles fleet with two additional
trucks in the first year of its operation. First new truck was bought in 1992 and the
company extended its services into international transportation. Hence the vehicles
fleet was expanded and modernised gradually.
In 2000 the company fulfilled all
the requirements for the ISO 9001
certificate. This certificate of quality was
earned to provide services in national
and international transportation and
delivery services.
2004 brought a great change which
transformed of the company into a
corporation FRAMA CZ Ltd specialized in
transporting oversized cargo throughout
Europe, in particular in Germany,
Denmark, Holland, Belgium, France,
Spain, Italy and Portugal.
All the vehicles are characterised by
a Euro V emissions standard and are
Frama CZ s.r. being presented with the ECOSTARS certificate.
equipped with a special system for
Photo: Petr Havránek, Statutory City of Ostrava
navigation and monitoring that is
connected either to company dispatching or customers. The on-board systems
for fuel consumption optimisation are based on monitoring both driver behaviour
and the vehicle itself. Due to the fleet management deep focused on environmental
aspects, FRAMA CZ has been awarded with ECOSTARS 5 stars rating.
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Case Studies: Parma (IT)
The Parma local scheme
Since the commencement of ECOSTARS in Parma, the LSM — Infomobility —
has organized a variety of activities to recruit companies to join the local scheme.
Among the actions taken has included the organisation of operator workshops and
meetings, e-mail contact to directly reach the fleet managers of the companies as
well as the publication of articles in local newspapers to promote the initiative. A
specialist transport consultancy has assisted in the delivery of this task.
The launch of ECOSTARS Parma was
organised by Infomobility S.p.a. and
the Municipality of Parma. The launch
event was attended by expert speakers
from transport, sustainable mobility
and logistics and by an audience of
fleet operators from Parma and Emilia
Romagna.
During the launch the Municipality of
Parma shared their policies on city
logistics and mobility in urban areas.
There was also a presentation about
city logistics in Europe, trends and
Parma local scheme managers reaching out to potential members.
experiences given by the Institute of
Photo: City of Parma
Transport and Logistics of Bologna.
Finally, one of the ECOSTARS partners, the consultancy company ISIS responsible
for the technical audits, explained the technical activities of the ECOSTARS scheme.
Based on this extensive experience it has been found that the most effective
way to reach and involve the relevant companies is to hold one to one
meetings. Most fleet managers met individually were enthusiastic and joined
the scheme. Therefore this method can be considered as a “lesson learned”,
which the city of Parma would like to pass on to everyone interested to set up
ECOSTARS in their city or region.
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FERCAM (PARMA)
FERCAM is one of Italy’s major fleet operators with an number of specialised divisions
including national logistics, international distribution, air freight and shipping, road
and intermodal frieght. At FERCAM quality has always been regarded as an essential
component. In 1993, FERCAM was one of the first shipping companies to obtain
ISO 9001:2008 certification. FERCAM considers this certification as a useful tool
in order to continue improving its processes at all levels and, therefore, to provide
effective solutions to meet the requirements of all its customers and partners.
At FERCAM sustainable development
means respecting the environment and
making the best use of energy resources.
It is for this very purpose that FERCAM
has set up its very own ISO 14001:2004
— certified environmental management
programme. The company’s fleet is
the jewel in its crown: it is upgraded
continuously and compliant with the
strictest European Union environmental
legislation and safety standards.
Providing confirmation of the company’s
commitment towards protecting the
environment is FERCAM´s co-founding of RTC, the first private rail-freight company
operating on the Brenner line.
FERCAM owns about 2,400 vehicles. 157 of those running in the Emilia Romagna
region have now been awarded with 5 Stars with most of the vehicles complying
with Euro V standard, or being an enhanced environmentally friendly vehicles. To
monitor consumption of the vehicles, FERCAM uses the satellite-based Track Nav
system. On-board sensors allow tracking of vehicles in real time, identifying the
location, noting breakdowns and signalling alternative directions. Implementation
of an advanced training programming of eco-driving and incentive for drivers is
planned.
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Case Studies: Rotterdam (NL)
The Rotterdam local scheme
Lower energy use, less costs, less
carbon emission and better air quality:
these are the objectives which inspired
Rotterdam to set up ECOSTARS
under the umbrella of the Rotterdam
Climate Initiative (RCI). For the city
of Rotterdam it is highly important to
implement ECOSTARS in coherence
with the national award system Lean
and Green.
Lean and Green is run on a national
level and awards companies in general
for their ambition to reduce carbon
emission. This national scheme focuses
on front runners, whereas ECOSTARS focuses on a wide range of fleet operators. In
Rotterdam, both systems now work together and complement each other: Members
of Lean and Green can profit from the privileges of ECOSTARS and vice versa.
The Rotterdam scheme has invited its members to become part of
a brainstorming group.
Photo: Municipality of Rotterdam/Herman van Gestel
The city of Rotterdam invited ECOSTARS members to be part of a brainstorming
group, which exchanges ideas about the role of the municipality and the
development of ECOSTARS and its privileges. For example, specific restrictions at
any level can become matters of discussion.
The city is currently examining possibilities to link specific incentives to scheme
membership, including longer access to time restriction areas for loading and
unloading, green waves for easier passing crossings and benefits in tenders of the
municipality.
Rotterdam is undertaking this task with collaboration of the national logistics
platforms EVO and TLN. Both organizations are supportive about the
implementation of ECOSTARS and encourage the introduction of additional
privileges for scheme members.
32
ROADRUNNER KOERIERSDIENSTEN
For over thirty years Roadrunner/Kappa Couriers has been handling shipments
that are time critical for which their clients’ expects 100% delivery reliability. In
addition, for almost five years under the banner of Binnenstad they receive batches
of goods whose final destination is the centre of Rotterdam. For this kind of service
the company uses clean vehicles to access the city. Customers can leave their
recyclable packaging materials to Roadrunner/Kappa Couriers, so that they can
avoid empty backhauls.
Wouter Blok, operations manager of
Roadrunner, said: “I love to be the first
Roadrunner courier with the highest
ECOSTARS score of five stars as an
official recognition of achievement.
To manage both fleet and business
processes in a sustainable way I
think it’s a meaningful progress of
the Rotterdam municipality that can
also take advantage of a European
recognition scheme to test its
environmental policies. We consider to Roadrunner is a member of the Rotterdam scheme under the
be professional drivers who take into banner of Binnenstadservice.
high consideration sustainability issues. Photo: Municipality of Rotterdam/Herman van Gestel
The high rating does not come out of
the blue. Different approach to mobility characterises all our businesses. In addition
to reliability, the composition of our fleet depends on reduction of CO2 emissions
criterion which is an important factor to be considered when purchasing new
vehicles. Our motto is “what you do not emit, you do not have to compensate”.
33
Case Studies: the Swedish Region (SE)
BORJES GROUP
Börjes Logistik & Spedition is a
successful European carrier with its
head office in Nybro and a German
branch in Erfurt. With their own
vehicles, carriers on fixed contracts,
and a well established network of
collaborative partners they have the
organisation in place for complicated
transport assignments and the
expertise to design overall solutions
within logistics and freight forwarding.
With their own goods terminal in Nybro
they offer qualified services within third-party logistics. Börjes Logistik & Spedition is an independent
operator, which means that they are free to create the transport solution that is best for individual
customers.
They are a second-generation family business, founded in 1947 with the express vision of always treating
customers in a friendly and professional manner. Even though today they are a considerably larger and
more modern company, that service philosophy lives on. The company is always committed to conduct
its operations in accordance with its environmental policy, to regularly evaluate operations with the
aim of making continual improvements, to reduce fuel consumption in relation to services provided.
Additionally, they cooperate with suppliers who actively addresses safety- quality- and environmental
issues and maintain their vehicles fleet so that it is always in excellent condition.
The company has been the first to join the ECOSTARS scheme in Sweden. Today, the company has over
400 employees and has a greater portfolio than most. Activities range from long distance transport to
timber transportation and inventory management. The Group comprises of five companies and they are
also included in the Schenker network. Börjes Group received five stars, the highest ECOSTARS rating.
34
35
Case Studies: South Yorkshire
South Yorkshire local scheme
The European funded ECOSTARS project was set up on the basis of the first “ECO
Stars” scheme in South Yorkshire, UK, which was developed as part of a regional
Air Quality Initiative. The scheme is managed on a day to day basis by Transport
&Travel Research Ltd. (TTR) who are fleet management specialists, on behalf of
the South Yorkshire ECO Stars partners who are the four South Yorkshire local
authorities of Barnsley, Rotherham, Doncaster, Sheffield and the South Yorkshire
Passenger Transport Executive.
“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”, says Jim Chappell,
Scheme Manager.
In June 2011 a three year Business
Plan was developed building on the
experience of the first two years of
operation and the recommendations
contained an independent scheme
evaluation report. It sets out additional
B&Q achieved a 5-star ECOSTARS rating and was the 50th member
activities that are required to support
of the South Yorkshire scheme.
scheme growth and development
during that period. This additional activity includes the following actions:
• Review of the scheme assessment criteria to incorporate industry changes
since the scheme began
• Promotion of the updated scheme through targeted communications and
marketing activity
• Production of enhanced road maps which will be designed to drive further
improvements in air quality with operators and for the residents of South
Yorkshire
• A quantitative and qualitative assessment framework for measuring the benefits
of the ECO Stars Scheme
Implementing an ECOSTARS scheme for taxis, will grow the scheme in a different
direction, through applying the ECOSTARS principles to a new transport sector.
36
UNITED BISCUITS
United Biscuits was founded in 1948 following the merger of two Scottish family
businesses — McVitie & Price and MacFarlane Lang. In 1960, United Biscuits added
to its portfolio with the acquisition of Crawford’s Biscuits and MacDonald’s Biscuits.
In 2000, United Biscuits was bought by Finalrealm, a consortium of investors, and
reverted to private limited company status.
The core of the business is in the United
Kingdom, where it produces biscuits,
crisps and baked bagged snacks under
a number of brand names including:
McVitie’s biscuits, Jacob’s Cream
Crackers, and Twiglets. United Biscuits
operates in South Yorkshire from a base
in the East Midlands.
United
Biscuits
environmental
programme has delivered an outstanding
level of achievement since it was started
back in 2008. Concerning the driving
environmentally friendly transport aspect the company achieved a 40% reduction
in transport emissions by the end of 2012 compared with 2005. This target has
been reached thanks to the use of 100% waste oils as fuels for heavy goods vehicles,
the optimisation of product pack, case and pallet to maximise the loading factor,
vehicle facilities sharing with customers, suppliers and even competitors to reduce
empty running, the use of canal transport to replace lorries in Belgium, and the
participation in the governments trial of longer trailers.
The environmental commitment of the company has then been reflected also in
the context of ECOSTARS and their fleet of 33 vehicles based in South Yorkshire
achieved a Five Star rating.
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The available material
The available material for potential new schemes
The ECOSTARS project has developed a set of materials which can be used in
establishing and operating an ECOSTARS scheme.
This includes English language training materials for Local Scheme Managers and
Scheme Technical Auditors along with an existing training course; a Transferability
Report that has investigated some possible funding options for making schemes
running and a Results and Lessons Report where impacts have been assessed.
Existing English language templates for scheme promotional material and
membership materials with translations into Italian, Spanish, Czech, Dutch and
Swedish are available which could then be edited to meet your local requirements.
We can also provide contacts with potential scheme implementation partners in
a number of countries. All scheme operators are also invited to participate in a
continuing annual forum held each year in the UK to support the development of
the ECOSTARS scheme concept.
All interest in potential new schemes should register their interest with the
Project Coordinator on [email protected] and with the ECOSTARS
Manager at Barnsley MBC on [email protected]. New schemes are
requested to sign up to a Memorandum of Understanding to ensure compliance
with the standard scheme criteria, engagement with the wider scheme concept
and consistent use of scheme branding.
38
Disclaimer
The sole responsibility for the content of this publication lies with the authors. It
does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the European Union. Neither the EASME
nor the European Commission are responsible for any use that may be made of the
information contained therein.
39
Contacts
ECOSTARS Europe
Project coordinator: TTR
Author: ISIS
Mark Fell
Michela Fioretto
Minister Pool Walk
Largo dei Lombardi, 4
Lichfield, Staffordshire
IT - 00186
WS13 6QT, UK
Rome, Italy
Tel. +44 (0)207 953 4069
Tel. +39 063212655
[email protected]
[email protected]
Dissemination leader: POLIS
Dagmar Röller
Rue du Trône, 98
B — 1050
Brussels, Belgium
Tel. +32 2 500 56 72
[email protected]
www.ecostars-europe.eu
The sole responsibility for the content of this publication lies with the authors. It does not necessarily
reflect the opinion of the European Union. Neither the EASME nor the European Commission are
responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.