The Thurrock ECO Stars Fleet Recognition Scheme is celebrating its 50^th member with the sign up of Greenergy Flexigrid, who have been awarded a top rating of Five Stars.

The free scheme was first launched  by Travel Thurrock in April 2012 to encourage fleet operators – of all sizes – to improve efficiency, reduce fuel consumption and emissions – all helping to improve local air quality. Since then just over 2000 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.

Greenergy is the UK’s largest supplier of road fuel and third largest private company in UK, supplying over a quarter of all road fuel sold. Flexigrid is Greenergy’s in-house haulage fleet with 101 trucks nationally and 15 driver depots throughout the UK, the largest of which is based in Thurrock.

The ECO Stars assessors were impressed by the high standards Greenergy Flexigrid had achieved with a strong focus on environmental impact, fuel management and operational efficiency.

Steve Willis, ECO Stars Fleet Consultant added, “Through their skills development initiatives, Greenergy Flexigrid has incorporated its own driver training assessments which include an eco-driving module. The operation benefits from having the latest telematics and routing systems installed in its vehicles, producing a dashboard of performance indicators which drives further improvements.”

Ross Monkhouse, Fleet Asset Manager for Greenergy Flexigrid said: “We are proud to have been awarded five stars – the highest ranking – under the Eco Stars Recognition Scheme for our commitment to maximising fuel efficiency and reducing carbon emissions through the introduction of new trucks and technology to monitor fuel usage.”

Thurrock is part of the Thames Gateway national growth area with the potential for increased traffic growth and C0₂ emissions from freight transport. For this reason Travel Thurrock adopted sustainable freight as a core element of its Local Sustainable Transport Fund (LSTF) programme.

Ann Osola, Head of Planning and Transportation at Thurrock Council said:  “We are delighted to reach this milestone in a little under three years. Our roadmap to improve transport performance and reduce costs and carbon emissions is providing a better environment for our community.”