UK Councils, Airports Cut Emissions Using Vegetable Oil Fuel

Several UK councils and institutions are switching their vehicle fleets to hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) to reduce carbon emissions significantly. Uttlesford District Council plans to convert its waste collection vehicles to HVO, potentially cutting emissions by 34%, though this would increase fuel costs by around £150,000 annually compared to diesel. East Midlands Airport has transitioned over 60 operational vehicles to HVO, aiming to reduce carbon emissions by up to 90% and supporting its parent company's goal of zero carbon operations by 2038. North Kesteven District Council has already converted nearly its entire fleet of 31 bin lorries to HVO, cutting around 800 tonnes of CO2 annually and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by about 90%, which complements its broader sustainability initiatives. These efforts demonstrate a growing commitment to environmental sustainability through the adoption of renewable fuels that are biodegradable, safer to handle, and contribute to net zero emission targets. While HVO fuel costs are higher than diesel, councils view the switch as a crucial step toward achieving climate goals and improving air quality.