Liverpool City Council Sets Out Pathway to Greener Vehicle Fleet and Net Zero 2030
A new policy to significantly cut Liverpool City Council vehicle fleet emissions will go before Cabinet next week,outlining a clear pathway toward cleaner, more sustainable operations.
If approved, the strategy will ensure that vehicles owned and operated by the Council reaching the end of their life cycle are switched to electric vehicles (EVs) where possible.
For vehicles not yet due for renewal or where an electric alternative is currently unavailable, the Council plans to explore the use of Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO).
This fossil-free, renewable alternative to diesel is manufactured from waste materials, including used cooking oil, animal fats, and vegetable oils.
Because HVO can be used in existing diesel engines without any modifications, it offers a way to achieve substantial emissions reductions in a short timeframe.
Current Fleet Statistics and Environmental Impact
The Council currently operates a fleet of 568 vehicles, ranging from small cars and vans to large HGVs used for waste collection.
In 2019, these vehicles contributed 3,395 tonnes of CO2, representing approximately 16.3 per cent of the Council’s total emissions.
While the fleet already includes 36 electric vehicles, 143 hybrids, and 20 vehicles powered by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), the new policy aims to accelerate the transition.
Research from the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ) suggests that while HVO is slightly more expensive than traditional diesel, it can result in a CO2 emissions reduction of up to 98 per cent.
Supporting Net Zero and Air Quality Goals
This transition is a significant component of the Council’s broader objective to become net zero by 2030.
Beyond carbon reduction, the move supports the Air Quality Action Plan, which focuses on improving the air quality across Liverpool to create a healthier environment for residents and visitors.
Councillor Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said:
“This policy is a major step forward in reducing the Council’s carbon footprint and improving the air quality in our city.
“This is about leading by example and showing that practical, affordable changes can help us reach our net‑zero ambitions while delivering cleaner, healthier neighbourhoods for everyone in Liverpool.”
The upcoming Cabinet meeting will determine the formal adoption of these measures, potentially marking one of the most significant shifts in the city’s operational sustainability to date.
