Paragon has invested over £4 million to dramatically reduce its carbon footprint. The investment includes the acquisition of 34 new fuel efficient, lower emission Scania tractor units, as well as the installation of a new system on all vehicles to help track and minimise engine idling.

Paragon has chosen to secure the fleet of 34 lower emission vehicles ahead of new standards being introduced by Transport for London (TfL). From January 2012, all vehicles entering the London Low Emission Zone will be required to comply with the Euro IV standard for particulate matter (PM). This means that any lorries, buses and heavy specialist vehicles of a Euro III standard or earlier will no longer be able to enter the capital freely.

Jake Mummery, Paragon Group logistics director said: “With the high penalty charges for operators of non compliant vehicles being introduced next year, fleet managers need to take action now.” He continued: “Though it is essential to meet the emissions standards set by TfL, Paragon sees this investment as a step in the right direction to set clean green standards. With carbon emissions from UK industry running into millions of tonnes per year, it is important that that the automotive fleet sector does all that it can.”

In addition, earlier this year, the electric-powered onboard idle-reduction equipment Track-it-Now was installed on three of the company’s vehicles for a trial period of four months. To help understand how engine idling times can contribute to fuel costs and carbon emissions, fuel consumption was monitored when the vehicles were stationary and the engine was idle. The data revealed that there was a potential waste from idling of 154,788 litres of fuel per year.

As such, Paragon assigned a member of the team to manage the three test drivers, monitoring idling times and giving guidance to show alternatives. The results were astonishing and showed a dramatic reduction of 69% in engine idling, a figure that, if applied across Paragon’s entire fleet, could mean a reduction in CO2 output by 410 tonnes per year.

Commenting on the system, Mummery said: “we have demonstrated that carbon reporting is not a burden but instead has environmental value and can enable the business to reduce operating costs.” He said: “We now have the proof that cost and carbon savings could be made, and are pleased to announce that we will be installing the system in all of the company’s vehicles.”

“We have seen carbon management become an important business issue over the last couple of years and it’s now a key part of the sustainability agenda. Our investment proves that we’re taking our environmental impact and financial management very seriously, also demonstrating our plan to keep investing in the future of the business.”