NHS Lanarkshire’s drive towards protecting the environment has been recognised, we received a four star award from the ECO Stars Fleet Recognition scheme, after a review of our sustainable transport fleet.
The ECO Stars Fleet Recognition scheme is a free service that encourages and supports operators of HGVs, vans, buses and coaches to run their fleets more efficiently and cost effectively.
The scheme provides recognition for best operational practices, and guidance for making improvements within transport. The ultimate aim is to reduce fuel consumption which leads to lower vehicle emissions and lower pollution, helping to improve local air quality.
NHS Lanarkshire’s fleet manager and sustainability team applied for an ECO Stars review of our fleet and transport management, which resulted in achieving an impressive 4 out of 5 stars.
Marie Porteous, head of sustainability & environment manager, NHS Lanarkshire said: “It’s very important to us that we play a role in reducing our carbon footprint. As a large organisation in Lanarkshire, we have a duty to make sustainable changes and inspire other organisations to play their part.
“We are continually working hard towards greening our fleet, the benefits through sustainable transport and low emissions ensure that our fleet has minimal impact on the environment.”
Paul Wilkinson, program manager, ECO Stars said: “We are pleased to welcome NHS Lanarkshire to the ECO Stars scheme. It was clear from the assessment that NHS Lanarkshire has a clear vision and ambition with regards to their environmental goals and is setting a good example of transport operational practices.”
Councillor John Anderson, chair of community and enterprise resources said: “ECO Stars is simple to join, and their team even visits a company to complete the application on behalf of the organisation.
“It rates the performance of individual vehicles and a fleet’s overall operation using star ratings and each member receives a tailored ‘road map’ to ensure their vehicles are running as efficiently and economically as possible and to help them progress to higher ratings.
‘It is a wonderful scheme both for the companies involved and for the environment and I am delighted to congratulate NHS Lanarkshire on becoming the 200th member of the Fleet Scheme.”
The ECO Stars assessment is based on six key pillars which make up fleet operational efficiency and includes Fleet Composition, Fuel Management, Driver Skills Development, IT Support Systems and Performance Monitoring & Management.
Picture from left to right – Paul Wilkinson, program manager from ECO Stars, Councillor John Anderson, chair of community and enterprise resources at South Lanarkshire Council, Marie Porteous, head of sustainability & environment manager, NHS Lanarkshire, Shirley Clelland, head of fleet and environmental services, South Lanarkshire Council and Lesley Robertson, transport manager, NHS Lanarkshire.
