The company operates a fleet of 14 Renault Master vans, used to transport specialist crews to decommission and strip down transformers and other electrical heavy plant, for customers including National Grid and Western Power Distribution.
The Lightfoot system advises the driver on how to operate the van in the most fuel-efficient manner, by using real-time audio and visual aids in the cab.
It also monitors performance and sends a simple email report to the fleet manager on a weekly or monthly basis. Ashwoods claims that the technology is proven, on average, to deliver fuel consumption improvements of 15%.
Celtic Recycling is one of the first companies in its field to achieve CEMARS certification (Certified Emissions Measurement And Reduction Scheme). CEMARS is the first global greenhouse gas certification standard to be accredited to ISO 14065. It is also approved by the UK Environment Agency as a Carbon Trust Standard equivalent and an Early Action Metric in the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme. CEMARS is also a recognised verification standard under the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP).
The company has also taken delivery of four Ashwoods Hybrid Transit vans. The Ashwoods Hybrid drive technology claims fuel consumption and CO2 emission savings of 15-25% over a standard van.
The system is entirely self-powered as it stores energy every time the vehicle slows down, then transfers it to the wheels via an electric motor. Unlike other hybrids or electric vehicles, it never needs plugging into a charging point – and operators don't have to worry about the battery going flat.
Peter O'Rourke, transport manager at Celtic Recycling, commented: ‘Celtic Recycling is committed to reducing carbon emissions year on year. We looked at a wide range of options for our LCV fleet and decided that Ashwoods offered two technologies that really suited us.
'The Lightfoot system advises the driver on the optimum time to change gear and is making a real impact on fuel economy. We are now looking at introducing it to our HGV fleet.
‘The hybrid vehicles fit seamlessly into the fleet without requiring driver training or investment in charging infrastructure. We can just put them straight to work. Our long term goal is to switch our entire LCV fleet to hybrid.’