Fuel supplier Certas continues to encourage fleets to switch to operating vehicles on hydrotreated vegetable oil, by upgrading its HVO carbon calculator so the tool now draws on official data from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
The calculator is designed to allow companies to work out what reduction in CO2 emissions a full or partial switch to HVO will bring. The fuel is a ‘drop in’ replacement for diesel, meaning it can be blended in tanks with standard diesel and used without any modiifications.
HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) is classified as a renewable fuel as it is made from organic crops that absorb CO2 as they grow, while waste oils and fats are also used in its composition. It can be run in on and off-road vehicles, as well as site equipment.
The fuel is estimated to produce up to 90% less carbon dioxide when life-cycle emissions are taken into account, and fleet operators are increasingly turning to HVO as companies seek to reduce their emissions both for tax, and corporate governance purposes. The UK has a legally binding target to be carbon neutral by 2050, also known as net zero, and the government doubled down on this commitment last year by announcing it aims to reduce emissions by 81% within the decade.
Firms wanting to use Certas’ HVO carbon savings should head to the company’s website and complete the online form, whereupon results will be emailed to them.
Certas says the HVO carbon tool should be used in conjunction with its HVO and diesel balancing calculator, which lets firms calculate costs around HVO integration.
By utilising official figures, firms using the carbon calculator can “be more informed when switching their vehicles and machinery from diesel to more sustainable fuels”, the company says.
The firm’s liquid renewables manager, Andrew Scott comments: “We’ve already seen many of our customers make impressive carbon savings on their journey to net zero. By putting real-time data directly into their hands, tailored to their specific business needs, we aim to give them clarity and confidence.
“Our partners can see exactly what they stand to gain in terms of emissions reductions which makes the path to decarbonisation more tangible, achievable and transparent.”
