HVO Case Study
Cork County Council’s Path to
Cork County Council (CCC) faced the challenge of aligning with the government’s ambitious target of reducing carbon emissions by 51% by 2030. With a large fleet of diesel-powered vehicles spread across multiple sites, CCC needed a solution that would enable significant emission reductions without disrupting operations or requiring major infrastructure changes.
The Challenge
The primary challenge was to reduce emissions from CCC’s extensive fleet of diesel vehicles. This involved finding a sustainable fuel alternative that could be implemented quickly and effectively across various sites in the county.
The Solution
After a successful trial period, CCC awarded a contract to Tria to supply certified and verified Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel. HVO is a renewable, sustainable fuel alternative that significantly reduces carbon emissions compared to traditional diesel.
Implementation
The rollout of HVO began with the sites that already had the necessary tank infrastructure in place. Fortunately, 3 out of 5 CCC sites were already equipped, allowing for a quick and efficient transition to HVO. This immediate shift led to an instant reduction in carbon emissions from the fleet operating at these sites.
Future Plans
The remaining two sites are scheduled to transition to HVO in the coming months. CCC plans to extend the use of HVO to all heavy plant equipment and yellow metal machinery, further amplifying the impact of this initiative. To facilitate this, Tria will work closely with CCC and its partners to install the required tank infrastructure at the remaining sites.
Results and Impact
This phased approach to adopting HVO demonstrates CCC’s commitment to sustainable operations. By utilising HVO, CCC is achieving significant carbon reductions without the need for major changes to their existing vehicles or infrastructure. This project serves as a model for other councils and organisations aiming to reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining operational efficiency.
Conclusion
Cork County Council’s collaboration with Tria highlights the effectiveness of transitioning to sustainable fuel options like HVO. Through strategic planning and phased implementation, CCC is well on its way to meeting the 2030 carbon reduction targets, setting an example for others to follow.
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