Fleet accreditation scheme Mission Zero has redeveloped its standard in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Mission Zero Standard is designed to provide a single route to compliance for all fleet operators – car, grey fleet, van, HGV or bus – helping them to meet both legal and procurement requirements in a simple solution.
The standard already covered key sustainability elements around vehicles, fuels, and emissions but now also incorporates the United Nations SDGs, which are currently being implemented by most major corporations around the world.
Working with industry experts, Mission Zero has translated the United Nations SDGs into a framework designed to be realistic and easy to implement, including for businesses with only one vehicle.
Dr Sarah Wixey, a leading expert on transport sustainability and director of strategy and sustainability for Virtus Energy, was involved in the development of the standard.
Dr Wixey said: “This is not just about HGVs and fleet operators, every company uses a vehicle at some point, whether directly or within their supply chain. Even organisations that just have company cars or a grey fleet should consider implementing Mission Zero, demonstrating that they are not only operating safely and legally, but also committed to improving their sustainability; we all need to play our part.”
The latest version of the Mission Zero Standard now incorporates additional sustainability requirements covering areas such as the reduction of single-use plastics, energy-efficient devices, health & wellbeing, equality & diversity, and the gender pay gap. Although Mission Zero is about fleet standards, these requirements cover the whole organisation, not just the fleet department.
In addition, Mission Zero has launched two new bolt-on ‘Sustainability Advance Transport Modules’ that provide a progressive path for improved sustainability. Each one steps up in requirements and allows companies to demonstrate a greater commitment to a long-term sustainable transport operation.
Nick Caesari, CEO of Mission Zero, said: “Traditionally, most companies have focused heavily on the reduction of tailpipe emissions and of course this is extremely important, but sustainability is not just about buying electric vehicles. It is essential that companies embrace and take-action across all of the United Nations SDGs, ensuring a sustainable future for us all.”
There are no upfront fees to register for Mission Zero. After registering, companies have access to a dedicated accreditation portal containing over 60 free policy & procedures, risk assessment and training documents to help them become accredited. There are also no subscription fees for smaller companies with 10 vehicles or less, and audit fees start from £380.
