Coca-Cola Enterprises named Low Carbon Fuel champions
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Coca-Cola Enterprises Ltd (CCE) has been awarded the Low Carbon Fuel Initiative of the Year award at the LowCVP Low Carbon Champion Awards, in recognition of its introduction of biomethane trucks to its north London fleet.
CCE was the first in the logistics sector to trial a dedicated biomethane heavy goods truck in Great Britain. Biomethane is gas derived from the anaerobic digestion of waste, as occurs in landfills and once treated can be used as a transport gas. During the year long trial, CCE saw CO2 reductions, coupled with improved air quality and noise level benefits. As a result of this success, CCE invested £1.75m on a fleet of 14 biomethane-powered vehicles and associated infrastructure. Biomethane has much lower carbon intensity than diesel and CCE expects the trucks to generate carbon savings of more than 60%, compared to conventional diesel.
The award also acknowledges the work CCE has been doing to reduce environmental impact across its value chain, through methods including Logistics Network optimisation and development of new rail delivery routes.
The award was presented during a gala reception at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers on Monday 14 November 2011. CCE beat strong entries to win the award which assessed ability to demonstrate quantifiable emissions reductions; innovation; stakeholder engagement and evidence of activities to reduce carbon impact of other parts of the business.
Darren O' Donnell, fleet logistics manager at CCE said: "It is with great pride that the team celebrates winning this accolade from the LowCVP awards. Transporting our products currently accounts for 11% of CCE's carbon footprint. We are working hard to reduce this by innovating processes and maximising efficiency as well as investing in alternative fuels. Receiving this award is a great indication that we are moving in the right direction."
A LowCVP spokesperson said "CCE's submission impressed the judges with its commitment to lowering the carbon footprint of its fleet. The attention to detail in recording the improvements demonstrated by the biomethane trucks was particularly impressive, The team has shown real innovation in being one of the first organisations in the UK to introduce biomethane into its fleet."
Improving fleet efficiency is crucial to CCE achieving its goal to reduce the carbon footprint of its business operations by 15% (as compared to 2007 baseline) by 2020.
For more information on CCE's sustainability and carbon reduction commitments see the 2010/2011 Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Report:
Notes to editors
About LowCVP Low Carbon Champions Awards
The LowCVP Low Carbon Champions Awards are designed to identify and promote examples of outstanding and innovative practice in accelerating the shift to lower carbon vehicles and fuels and reducing road transport emissions. The awards are an initiative of the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LowCVP), a public-private partnership that exists to accelerate a sustainable shift to lower carbon vehicles and fuels and create opportunities for UK businesses.
