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Green fuel saves 500,000kg of CO2 from bin lorries

Published
Gloucester City Council’s transition to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel in its fleet of waste vehicles has resulted in a reduction of over 500,000kg of global warming CO2 emissions in just ten months.

Enquiries to Ubico – the waste service provider of which the City Council is a shareholder – revealed that 212,000 litres of diesel was eliminated from the fleet’s operations between the council initiating HVO use on 1st April 2025 and the end of the latest reporting period on 31 Jan 2026. 

Cllr Sebastian Field, Cabinet Member for Environment said: “When the Council approved its most recent Climate Change Strategy in 2025, we were clear that we needed to go further and faster to deliver our 2030 net zero emissions targets. By delivering a remarkable emissions reduction of over half a million kilograms of CO2 in just ten months through the use of HVO, we are demonstrating just how serious we are about this task. Not only that, but by opting for a sustainable, domestically manufactured, and cleaner burning fuel we are also helping to improve Gloucester’s air quality while insulating ourselves from the price volatility associated with the U.S-Iranian conflict while supporting businesses at home.”

Beth Broughton, Ubico Managing Director said: “We are committed to supporting Gloucester City Council in its drive to reduce carbon emissions, and introducing HVO as an alternative fuel on the Gloucester fleet has been a key part of that shared ambition. We were delighted to work with the Council on this initiative, which supports its environmental goals while remaining mindful of local authority budget constraints. HVO offers clear benefits as a low‑carbon alternative to traditional diesel, enabling Ubico to operate a more sustainable fleet without the need for costly vehicle modifications, alleviating both environmental impact and budget pressures.”

HVO, or ‘Renewable Diesel’, is a fossil‑free fuel that cuts greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% and delivers a cleaner burn, with significantly lower NOx and particulate emissions than traditional diesel. It is made from 100% waste vegetable oil and is fully biodegradable. Crucially, HVO can be used in existing diesel engines without modification, enabling the city council to operate its service vehicles far more cleanly and for longer while electric alternatives to heavy-duty waste vehicles continue to develop.