Fleet operators can now provide their customers with independently verified evidence of how much greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions they have saved through their use of renewable fuels, by signing up to Zemo Partnership’s newly launched RFAS Fleet scheme.
This is the first scheme of its kind tailored specifically for commercial vehicle fleets, empowering logistics, construction and service operators to demonstrate carbon savings and enhance renewable fuel supply chain transparency.
The scheme not only help operators transition to renewable fuels but can also help them attract environmentally conscious customers and win new contracts.
RFAS Fleet covers both direct fuel use and virtual allocation through a strong chain of custody system. This flexibility allows operators to allocate renewable fuel use even when physical access is limited, enabling them to get the most value from sustainable fuels across their network while ensuring full traceability and avoiding double counting.
At the heart of RFAS Fleet is the Fleet GHG Emissions Declaration, a standardised customer-facing certificate that gives businesses clear evidence of transport GHG emissions and traceability through the renewable fuel supply chain.
It includes feedstock information, well-to-wheel GHG emissions savings for the customer’s journey and type and volume of renewable fuel used.
RFAS Fleet dovetails with Zemo’s Renewable Fuels Assurance Scheme (RFAS) which has accredited 54 fuel suppliers across the UK and abroad.
To develop the new scheme, Zemo has collaborated closely with a number of logistics companies including Gregory Distribution and Howard Tenens.
To participate in RFAS Fleet, operators will be required to source renewable fuel from one or more RFAS-approved suppliers. They will apply to Zemo Partnership to become approved under the scheme and undergo an independent audit to verify compliance with the RFAS Fleet standards
Gloria Esposito, Zemo Partnership director of sustainable business, said: “RFAS Fleet is a game-changer for fleet operators and their customers.
“It gives companies a credible, standardised way to report Scope 3 transport emissions reductions and demonstrate the traceability of low carbon fuel, something that’s increasingly required by ESG frameworks and procurement contracts.”
Paul Jefferson, group legal, risk and sustainability director at Gregory Distribution – the first company to be approved under RFAS Fleet - said: “We are proud to be the first operator to be approved under the RFAS Fleet scheme.
“Being able to evidence the integrity of our carbon reporting and provide reassurance of the source of the low carbon fuels we use, is another step forwards as we support our customers with their sustainability journeys.
“Reaching this point is testament to the great work of our people and further demonstrates our commitment to being a leader in the decarbonisation of UK logistics.”
Anna Rickard, Howard Tenens environmental consultant, commented: “We’re pleased to have played a part in shaping this scheme. Howard Tenens has been sourcing RFAS-approved biofuels for many years, and we welcome the introduction of RFAS Fleet.
“This development can help strengthen our sustainability offering by enabling us to reduce fleet carbon emissions at locations where on-site biofuel bunkering isn’t currently possible – a challenge we’ve encountered previously.”
Fleet operators interested in participating in RFAS Fleet should contact Zemo Partnership at rfas@zemo.org.uk and more information on the scheme can be found here.
