Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service

Organisational challenge/context

In order to meet the overarching goal of long-term sustainability, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service have taken a holistic approach to fleet management; reducing direct and embedded CO2 emissions at all stages in the vehicle lifecycle, from construction to day-to-day use and final disposal.

Interventions

Sustainable travel initiatives have been carried out through a wide range of technologies and policies, including:

Pioneering 100% recyclable polymer bodywork for fire appliances.
World-leading research into exhaust after-treatment systems.
Reprogramming our engine management systems.
Fuel efficiency training for all fleet drivers.
A cycle-to-work scheme with more than 20% staff uptake.
Public engagement on safe and fuel-efficient driving techniques.

Organisation is currently exceeding its own ambitious target of a 5% annual decrease in direct CO2 emissions. If the target of 25% reduction over 5 years is met, then by 2014 the service will have achieved a saving of more than 1900 tonnes of CO2 emitted, with a cost saving of more than £950,000 from fuel alone.

Results/benefits

Over 780,000 miles cycled per year by the staff.
A first year reduction of more than £80,000 in fuel costs.
An 80% reduction in Carbon Monoxide emissions, and a 97% reduction in Particulate Matter emissions from fire appliances.
A 75% reduction in water use for vehicle washing, saving more than £20,000 per year.
Cycle scheme has been taken up by more than 20% of the employees; over 2008/09 staff cycled over 780,000 miles, saving more than £100,000 in individuals’ fuel costs.
Overall, sustainable fleet management programme contributed to an annual saving of £80,686 in fuel costs in 2009/10 compared to the previous year, despite rising fuel costs. By 2015 the cumulative total saved in transport costs by meeting the targets will reach more than £900,000.

Steve McGuirk
Country Fire Officer / Chief Executive CBE, QFSM, MA BA (Hons) BSc, FRSA, FIFireE

"The public has told us that sustainability is an important issue to them and we have embedded sustainable principles throughout the delivery of our service. Greening our travel has been just one element of this activity, which had not only helped us to make significant savings to the cost of our service, but has also lead to significant innovations in our appliance design and seen over 20% of our staff regularly cycling to work."

Company Description

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service is the largest Fire and Rescue Service outside London with over 2,500 members of staff and 41 fire stations. We cover an area of approximately 500 square miles and a culturally diverse population of 2.5 million people.

Website

www.manchesterfire.gov.uk/

Case study

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