EAGLE Couriers has become the first Scottish courier covering the North East to be awarded the top grade in the Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Council’s initiative to reduce emissions and improve air quality.
As part of a concerted effort to reduce its carbon footprint, Scotland’s largest independent courier was awarded five stars in the ECO Stars Fleet Recognition Scheme, which carried out an evaluation of its extensive fleet of vehicles.
The firm – which has a depot and office in Aberdeen – has joined the likes of Colin Lawson, DHL, William Walker and Stagecoach in taking part in the free initiative which Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire councils have launched in a bid to transform air quality in the area.
Co-Director Jerry Stewart, said: “With a fleet in excess of 120 vehicles, all capable of racking up high mileage – even a one per cent improvement would greatly reduce our emissions and impact on air quality.
“By improving miles per gallon we are also able to operate more effectively, making jobs more secure and potentially offering new opportunities to Scottish job hunters.
“We take pride in our responsible attitude towards fuel efficiency and reduced emissions and are delighted to have this recognised in our five star rating.
“There is always room for improvement and we are looking at installing anti-idling and in-cab fuel monitoring displays. ECO Stars have provided helpful suggestions that we have already begun to implement.”
This news comes following Eagle’s nomination as finalists in Transport category of the VIBES (Vision In Business for the Environment in Scotland) Awards, held annually to recognise and showcase best sustainable practice for businesses in the country.
ECO Stars is a fast growing initiative managed by transport consultants TRL on behalf of supporting councils to assess the efficiency of organisations’ fleets and the impact on air quality, offering expert advice to reduce impact, save money and gain positive recognition.
It also provides the tools and ongoing support for operators to reduce operating costs which makes the scheme highly attractive and beneficial for the local economy.
Paul Wilkinson, ECO Stars Field Consultant for Scotland, said: “Eagle Couriers is exactly the sort of business we love to work with.
“They already operate in a very responsible manner and appreciate the benefits in improved operational efficiency beyond simply the financial.
“I would expect Eagle Couriers to make yet further improvements and be the type of firm to adapt to pioneering technology such as electric vehicles.”
Eagle Couriers has a 3500-strong client base including the BBC and the NHS, public sector organisations and sole traders. As business-to-business experts, Eagle Couriers help other firms operate more efficiently and profitably by safely delivering on time everything from documents, medical samples and engine parts to sports footage, scripts and TV props.