Leeds Council Steps on the Gas
A gas-powered Mercedes-Benz Econic refuse truck is delivering a stunning 60 per cent reduction in carbon emissions compared to a standard vehicle, for operator Leeds City Council.
The Econic 2628LLG is undergoing an initial six-month trial. But the authority plans to run it for five years and, if it continues to deliver the expected savings in fuel and greenhouse gases, will consider adding more gas vehicles to the fleet.
Based on a 26-tonne 6x2 Econic chassis with steering rear axle, the truck has a purpose-built 279hp engine and special tanks to carry its compressed natural gas fuel. In all other respects, it is no different to a standard, diesel-engined unit.
Terry Pycroft, the City Council’s Head of Fleet Services, explains: “We are striving to meet targets for the reduction of our carbon emissions, and this Econic LLG offers the potential to make some very significant savings.
“It is doing the job of any other RCV, collecting domestic waste from the streets of Leeds for delivery to our transfer station. But it’s also demonstrating to city residents that we’re working hard to reduce our impact on the local environment, and hopefully proving that gas-powered vehicles can operate economically and fit snugly within an overall waste collection strategy.”
The Econic runs on bio-gas, which is produced from waste matter in the south of England. Even taking into account the carbon cost of transporting the fuel north, its emissions are 60 per cent lower than those of a standard truck on similar work.
“But if in the future we are able to use fuel from a local source, that figure could be further increased,” says Mr Pycroft.
Leeds Council already operates a fleet of 49 diesel-engined Econics, and chose Mercedes-Benz to supply its gas-powered vehicle largely on the back of their impressive track record.
“Mercedes-Benz UK and Northside Truck & Van also put in a huge amount of work with our Head of Streetscene Services Graham Hollings and Environmental Officer Richard Crowther, as well as myself, to make this happen,” he adds.
www.leeds.gov.uk