calor, the UK’s leading supplier of LPG, has confirmed its commitment to cleaner air in British cities with the launch of its ‘Green Fleet Challenge’ at the Alter Europe Conference in London.
Sponsoring the event, held today, (Friday 14th September) at London’s Guildhall, Calor outlined its approach to the alternative fuels agenda by spelling out the cost savings and environmental benefits of LPG and promoting its latest initiative to support local authorities looking to convert vehicle fleets to Calor Autogas.
Green Fleet Challenge
The Green Fleet Challenge invites local authorities to complete a questionnaire, stating fleet size, vehicle type and annual mileage, allowing Calor to calculate annual fuel cost and emissions savings. In addition, Calor has announced that it will encourage councils to convert by providing the incentive of free conversions according to the number of vehicles.
The Case for LPG
Calor also drew upon the evidence of an independent consultant who presented environmental data at the conference, which demonstrated comparisons between automotive fuels. Eric Johnson of Atlantic Consulting outlined an environmental comparison of LPG, petrol and diesel and fuel options for local authorities in an urban environment.Calor’s Paul Riding, who presented the case for Calor Autogas at the conference, said that the event had been a success in confronting local authorities with air quality and transportation issues and their fuel choices.
“From our point of view, in environmental terms and fuel savings, Calor Autogas is clearly superior and we were pleased to outline the case for LPG, within the fuel options available,” he said. “The fact is that local authorities are being driven by Government to confront air quality issues. LPG goes some way to answering those issues and is the readily available fuel alternative,” he added. “By adopting LPG for their own fleets local authorities at a stroke can improve local air quality and provide a better environment for residents.”
It’s an argument which Calor has taken around the UK. During Calor’s Alter Conference presentation, Paul Riding outlined the company’s recent initiative in Oxford with Guide Friday, a leading tour bus operator which is converting its fleet to LPG. The campaign is being targeted on British cities, focusing on air quality and the comparison between dirty diesel and cleaner Calor Autogas.
Local Authority LPG Applications
“In addition, local authorities can utilise LPG across a range of applications aside from vehicle fleets,” added Paul Riding. “Lawn mowers and groundcare equipment, generators and ATVs can all run on cleaner LPG, saving money and reducing emissions as well as offering considerable health and safety advantages over diesel or petrol.”
LPG Infrastructure and Vehicle Choice
Vehicle manufacturers are increasingly offering production line LPG models. Leading names include Vauxhall, Ford, Daewoo, London Taxi International and Volvo, which launches its new LPG S60 model in October.
The growth in LPG vehicle choices reflects the fuel’s growing retail infrastructure: there are currently 800 LPG refuelling sites in the UK, set to increase to over 1,000 by the end of the year. Fleet managers can use the retail infrastructure to support ‘back to base’ refuelling tanks, providing even further savings. LPG vehicle ownership is also forecast to increase, from 40,000 UK vehicles this year to 250,000 by 2004.
LPG and Congestion Charges
A key element in Calor’s case was the issue of congestion charging in central London: the company has prepared a detailed submission to Transport for London, calling for a 100 per cent congestion charge exemption for LPG bi-fuel vehicles.
“We believe the case for an exemption is very robust,” said Paul Riding. “As well as rewarding motorists who take the environmental option, an exemption would send a clear message that environmentally responsible vehicles are preferred in London – and that’s a healthy position to take,” he added.
“The case we spelled out at Alter is that LPG delivers cost savings, fuel flexibility and clear environmental advantages over petrol and diesel. In terms of alternative fuels, LPG is established, here and now and the technology is tried and tested. LPG is the real fuel alternative for local authorities who want to clean up.”
Editors Note
The Alter Project was launched by Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott during the UK Presidency of the European Council in 1998. It aims to generate demand for cleaner vehicles. Over 120 European cities have signed the Declaration of Florence, undertaking to renew their own vehicle fleets on a low emissions basis; convert where feasible to cleaner fuels and power systems; and introduce and progressively extend low emission or clean zones. The Alter conferences are aimed at exchanging experience and best practice and enable producers to present information on the availability of cleaner fuels and vehicles.
Contact - Claire Petty
For further information call Calor Autogas on 0800 992200
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