The Queensland Government continues to lead the way in climate smart initiatives, and QFleet is setting the bar high with its cleaner, greener vehicle fleet.
Public Works Minister Robert Schwarten today announced the QFleet ClimateSmart Action Plan, introduced on 1 January, 2008, was on track to exceed targets to reduce greenhouse emissions.
“The QFleet ClimateSmart Action Plan sets out a number of strategies to reduce greenhouse emissions from our fleet of almost 14,000 passenger and light commercial vehicles,” Mr Schwarten said.
“Through the Action Plan, the Bligh Government has set the target to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 15 per cent by 31 December, 2010, compared to emissions at 30 June, 2007.
“QFleet is powering toward this target and, by the end of March 2009, a reduction of 11 per cent had already been achieved.
“This means that after just 15 months of the three-year Action Plan program, our emissions savings are well ahead of schedule.”
Climate Change and Sustainability Minister Kate Jones said the QFleet ClimateSmart Action Plan was another example of the Bligh Government’s commitment to setting long-term climate change goals.
“Through our Toward Q2: Tomorrow’s Queensland objectives, the Bligh Government has committed to reducing Queensland’s carbon footprint by one-third by 2020,” Ms Jones said.
“Our Government is leading by example, and the greenhouse reductions already achieved by QFleet set us on the way to achieving our goal for a greener Queensland.”
Mr Schwarten said a key strategy in achieving these results had been the introduction of minimum emission standards for vehicles, based on the Greenhouse Ratings from the Australian Government’s Green Vehicle Guide.
“The Greenhouse Ratings differentiate vehicles based on their carbon dioxide emissions – that is, the lower the emissions, the higher the rating,” he said.
“The Action Plan sets the standards at 5.5 for passenger vehicles and 3.5 for light commercial vehicles.
“By the end of March 2009, 86 per cent of the passenger fleet, and 95 per cent of the light commercial fleet, were compliant with those minimum greenhouse rating standards.
“The non-compliant vehicles are having their emissions offset, with offsets to increase to 50 per cent of the fleet by 2010 and 100 percent by 2020.
“As the Action Plan implementation continues I expect to see increased numbers of hybrid, small and light vehicles and vehicles with advanced engine technology such as new generation diesel engine passenger cars.
“The 2010 target of a 15 per cent emissions reduction is challenging, but the achievement of 11 per cent in the first 15 months shows we are well on our way.”
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