The South Yorkshire ECO Stars Fleet Recognition Scheme is celebrating its 50^th member with the sign up of B&Q in partnership with DHL.

The free ECO Stars (Efficient and Cleaner Operations) Scheme was first launched by Care4Air in South Yorkshire in January 2009 to encourage fleet operators – of all sizes – to improve efficiency, reduce fuel consumption and emissions – all helping to improve local air quality. Since then almost 6000 vehicles have been signed up to the scheme which offers recognition and provides practical tailored guidance on environmental best practice with each member receiving a star rating for their fleet.

DHL manages the fleet operations of B&Q’s 750,000 sq ft Redhouse Distribution centre in Doncaster and 840,000 sq ft distribution centre in Worksop. The 62 vehicles based at the centres serve B&Q stores across South Yorkshire, the North East and East of England.

B&Q in partnership with DHL were awarded the highest 5 star rating by the ECOSTARS scheme reflecting the high standards they have achieved, particularly an impressive fuel management programme. Annual driver assessments are supplemented with constant monitoring using in-cab telematics, which is reviewed on a weekly basis to make constant improvements. They have also invested in routing and scheduling software to minimise vehicle mileage.

Nigel Willott, National Transport Manager for DHL says they are delighted to join the scheme,“ ECO Stars is a perfect fit with both DHL’s and B&Q’s environmental philosophies and business values of improving efficiency and reducing costs”.

Michelle Thomas of B&Q said,“ We are pleased to become the 50^th membership of ECO stars in South Yorkshire, and very proud to have been awarded the highest possible rating from the outset. With a fleet travelling in excess of 5 million miles per year, every step we can take to reduce our fuel consumption and emissions benefits the local community”.

The occasion was marked with the presentation of a special award to B&Q in partnership with DHL by Ann Beddoes, Eco Stars Scheme Manager. She commented, “This represents a real milestone for ECO Stars in South Yorkshire, and with the expansion of the scheme across the UK and Europe, the scheme is really going from strength to strength”.