GreenFleet

Making huge reductions in staff mileage reimbursement claims – with the knock on effect of channeling cash into improving patient care and services – was the key reason behind Northern Lincolnshire & Goole Hospitals NHS Trust undertaking a Green Fleet Review.

In relation to this, a key objective for the Trust is that it aims to cut carbon dioxide emissions by almost 20 per cent over three years. In line with recommendations set by the Review, the following changes have been implemented to help achieve overall objectives:

• Introducing shuttle buses to replace individual car use as staff move between hospital sites
• Replacing existing leased and pool cars and vans with new, lower emission vehicles
  

Being committed to long term environmental improvement, the Trust has also joined Motorvate, an Energy Saving Trust scheme which recognises and rewards organisations for achieving targeted carbon dioxide reductions from their fleet.

Transport budget focus
An analysis of the Trust’s transport operations by the Directorate of Facilities Management revealed annual spending of over £1 million on all aspects of travel and transport services. Following this, Jug Johal was appointed to the newly created post of Transport Services Manager, specifically tasked with improving operating efficiencies and cutting costs. Addressing grey fleet (staff using private cars for business purposes) was a key challenge for the Trust. More than 1,250 staff including consultants, doctors, midwives, nurses and health workers were using their own cars to travel between three hospital sites in Goole, Grimsby and Scunthorpe as well as other areas. This equated to 1.5 million miles driven annually, costing in excess of £750,000 in mileage claims. A target has been set to reduce that sum by £350,000 over three years.

In terms of the Trust’s fleet – a combination of leased and owned cars and vans as well as pool cars – it was identified that more fuel efficient models should be introduced and more employees should be encouraged into the leased car scheme.

Action Plan
While Mr Johal has been appointed to address the fleet challenge, external help was required to establish an action plan for moving forward. Grey fleet and mileage reduction were at the core of the Green Fleet Review; however a package of initiatives was recommended to improve overall efficiency and environmental performance. Changes implemented to date include:

• Introducing a fleet of shuttle buses to transport staff between the three hospitals, which has been highly successful in reducing grey fleet mileage and reimbursement costs
• Installing video conferencing and actively encouraging staff to use public transport when traveling to conferences and events
• Introducing Vauxhall Corsa 1.3 CDTi diesel pool cars and Vauxhall Combo diesel vans onto the owned fleet
• A ‘blue light’ courtesy car has been purchased which staff can book online. Costs have been recouped in a matter of months due to savings on taxi fares
• Using fuel cards to monitor budgets and miles
  

A best practice occupational road risk policy has also been developed putting driver health and safety in the spotlight. Driver hand books and safety checks have been introduced and driver training is available. This was a big task for Mr Johal but having the backing of the Chief Executive and Executive team made it a lot easier. The support of his team in collecting data and staff responsiveness to using the shuttle buses was also very helpful.

The green fleet journey continues
While the Trust has made great progress, particularly in relation to cost savings, it acknowledges there is still much to do. Determined to achieve existing carbon reduction targets, and move beyond them, Mr Johal has signed up to the Energy Saving Trust’s Motorvate programme. By providing expert advice and robust monitoring of carbon reduction strategies, Motorvate ensures specific targets are met. Success is measured by a specialised accreditation process with bronze, silver and gold levels achieved as a result of the annual auditing of vehicle emissions.

The Trust’s journey started by establishing a baseline carbon footprint, setting reduction targets and identifying action areas; however the objective is now to ensure initiatives deliver results. Mr Johal commented: “The main priority now is to focus on ensuring that recommendations are implemented and integrated into the Trust’s business transport strategy. The aim is to ensure new practices work before introducing further initiatives.”

Cost savings to benefit patient care
While cutting transport costs was the prime reason behind the Green Fleet Review, ultimately the main beneficiaries will be hospital patients and the environment. Mr Johal said: “We are going to make major financial savings. There is absolutely no doubt about that. And I have every expectation that when we complete our carbon inventory over the next three years, we’ll also find out that we have made all the reductions in CO2 emissions that are expected of us.

“NHS funding is limited so the financial savings that are accruing can be reinvested into services to improve patient care, therefore saving lives and maintaining the health of the community.”

In recognition of their achievements, the Trust was named Winner in the Grey Fleet category at the 2007 Energy Saving Trust Fleet Hero Awards, in association with The Observer and Fleet News. Mr Johal was also named Fleet Manager of the Year in the sub-100 category at the 2008 Fleet News Awards.

Further information
Funded by the Department for Transport, Energy Saving Trust Green Fleet Reviews are available for organisations with 50 or more fleet vehicles under 3.5 tonnes. The service is free, conducted by experts and provides a comprehensive, tailored report with advice on how to reduce fleet carbon footprint, cut costs and improve efficiency.

To find out more visit www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/fleet or call 0845 602 1425