TRL has acquired the Eco Stars Fleet Recognition Scheme, spurring plans to create a portfolio of services to help local authorities and fleets drive decarbonisation.

TRL will expand the scheme’s remit with a package of services based on net zero emissions targets

The scheme, which currently offers guidance on efficient and cleaner operations for vans, taxis, buses, coaches and HGVs, will evolve to support wider sustainability objectives.

Originally conceived by the Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, Eco Stars provides emissions assessments and recommendations for fleet operators to reduce fuel consumption and lower their emissions in day-to-day operations.

The scheme is free to fleet operators, and the sponsoring local authority recovers costs either from the Scottish or Welsh governments or Defra.

TRL has managed the scheme since its inception in 2009, with many members gaining accolades for their enhanced fleet efficiency and reduced environmental impacts.

The programme has already doubled in size in the last five years, illustrating the industry’s readiness to embrace change, and will now gain new services to benefit members further.

Matt Sercombe, strategic business service director at TRL, said: “The essence of the scheme aligns seamlessly with TRL’s mission to deliver safer, cleaner, and more efficient transportation solutions. The UK’s net zero and sustainability goals are very real for vehicle fleet operators, who are under increasing pressure to demonstrate progress, even for very small fleets. We have in mind a set to enable Fleet Sustainability Solutions that assures profitability and commercial advantage for fleets that invest in minor operational changes.”

TRL will expand the scheme’s remit with a package of services based on net zero emissions targets and taking into account a broader range of sustainability objectives – whether that be the accessibility of a taxi service, the recycling of scooter batteries, or the disposal of rental bikes, for example.

TRL also intends to extend the application of the recognition scheme to include fleets running micro-mobility solutions, such as electric cargo bikes, electric scooters and autonomous delivery pods.

The scheme’s focus on tailoring membership according to local or regional needs will remain – and TRL will now make use of its expertise and resources to work differently with local authorities. Examples include analysis of TRL local air quality and traffic data to advise on a more holistic approach to traffic management, providing insights and recommendations on routes, scheduling, and congestion management strategies at hot spots, also improving operational efficiency for the local fleet operators.

Ann Connolly, Scottish framework manager, said: “The value of the Eco Stars scheme is incontrovertible and the transition of ownership heralds an exciting new phase. TRL has a very collaborative working style, and I am very much looking forward to working with them to develop and launch new Eco Stars services.”