NSW Government Policy

Environment

NSW Government leading by example

Cleaner Fleet Initiative

The NSW Government’s vehicle fleet is one of the largest in Australia, with over 25,000 vehicles. As such, any actions we take to improve the environmental performance of the fleet have a major impact on emissions. There is also a positive flow-on effect for NSW when the end of lease vehicles are sold at  public auction.

The Cleaner NSW Government Fleet Initiative applies to passenger and light commercial vehicles of less than 3.5 tonnes. It aims to:

  • Encourage procurement of smaller, cleaner and less polluting vehicles
  • Reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions
  • Save vehicle purchase and running costs

As a result, V8-powered vehicles have been removed from the Government’s general Motor Vehicle Contract because of their poor fuel efficiency, high emissions and high maintenance costs. Such vehicles can only be purchased to meet strict operational requirements, such as emergency services vehicles.

Business needs should always be the determining factor when choosing the size and makeup of an agency fleet. Commercial vehicles and 4WDs should only be used where required for an operational purpose.

In order to meet specific reduction targets for both noxious and greenhouse emissions, all general government sector agencies need to establish a Fleet Improvement Plan. This Plan should outline how the agency will meet the government targets for improved environmental performance for its light vehicle fleet (vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass).

The plan should include:

  • An outline of the business needs for the fleet
  • The current size and composition of the vehicle fleet
  • The environmental performance of the fleet using the NSW Clean Car Benchmarks
  • Measures to achieve the 60% 'Fleet Performance Indicator' score
  • Measures to achieve the greenhouse emissions reduction targets
  • Annual estimate of number of vehicles to be purchased by category

 This plan should be submitted to StateFleet by 30th September each year.

Targets

By the end of financial year 2010/11, each agency is required to achieve an ‘average environment performance score’ of:  

  • 13.5 out of 20 for passenger vehicles, and
  • 9 out of 20 for light commercial vehicles.

Previous years’ targets for both passenger and commercial vehicles were:

  • 10 out of 20 by end 2005/06 financial year
  • 11 out of 20 by end 2006/07 financial year
  • 12 out of 20 by end 2007/08 financial year

By the end of financial year 2010/11, each agency is required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% based on their 2004/05 performance.

Previous yearly progressive targets were: 

  • 10% by end 2005/06 financial year
  • 15% by end 2006/07 financial year
  • 20% by end 2007/08 financial year

Ethanol – choosing E10

In October 2007, the NSW Government mandated that at least 2% of the total volume of petrol sold or delivered in NSW must be ethanol.

This equates to an E10 buy rate of 20% of total unleaded fuel purchases (or 1 in 5 fills).

The following Premier's Memoranda provide information on the Government's commitment to using biofuels and other alternative fuels as part of the overall Cleaner NSW Government Fleet Policy.

The focus on E10 consumption is expected to increase in years to come.  The Department Finance and Services (previously the Deaprtment of Services, Technology and Administration) has already provided Whole-of-Government reports on E10 consumption. It is anticipated that individual agencies will be asked to provide similar reports in the future.   

Fleet Managers are encouraged to review their existing motor vehicle policies and implement procedures that instruct drivers to buy E10 as the preferred unleaded fuel, wherever possible.

(2% ethanol sold = 20% E10 buy)

For more information call your StateFleet Account Manager.