Warringah Council has won first prize in the ‘Sustainable Procurement Award’ for its Soy Diesel initiative at the Procurement Australia Excellence Awards 2011.
The alternative fuel source is used in Council’s diesel fleet and produces 19 per cent less greenhouse gas per litre than regular fossil diesel powered vehicles.
Soy diesel is made in Australia with 20 per cent soy.
Warringah Mayor Michael Regan said because of this arrangement soy diesel is now available to anyone in the community and we call on the public to make the most of this opportunity to reduce their carbon footprint."
"Warringah Council won this award because of the overall benefits this program has to the community as a whole."
Warringah Council’s soy diesel initiative reduces approximately 64 tonnes of green house gas emissions per year – the equivalent to taking nine cars off the road.
Warringah Mayor Michael Regan said the initiative is one of many strategies Council has taken to reduce its carbon footprint over the past few years, and through the use of these integrated strategies Council’s annual carbon dioxide emissions have been reduced by 2,500 tons.
The Sustainable Procurement Award recognises member organisations that have developed and implemented sustainable procurement policies and processes to reduce their carbon footprint, conserve energy and protect the environment.
Warringah Council beat competition from local and state government organisations from NSW, Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia to claim the award.
Michael Regan said this is the second time Warringah Council has won a sustainability award.
In 2007 Council won the NSW Local Government award for changing our fleet from 6 cylinder to 4 cylinder vehicles.
Soy diesel is also available to the public through United, the local fuel outlet Warringah Council negotiated with to provide the fuel to Council.
Soy diesel has been warranted against engine damage.
Procurement Manager Paul Trigg said the deal we did with United means there was no extra cost to Council but a massive benefit to the environment and the public."
For further details phone Warringah Council on (02) 9942 2111.
