Thomas Brayley, Manager – Plant Fleet Business, and the team at Logan City Council have been on a journey to reduce the broader environmental impact of their fleet operations for several years. They started pre-COVID with ambitious plans. It was a time when hybrid cars were an abnormality, and electric vehicles were yet to be considered a viable road to zero emissions. While most organisations focused planting trees to offset fleet carbon emissions, Logan City Council pursued a bolder plan of sustainability.
“The Green Fleet strategy was developed pre-COVID,” explains Brayley. “We worked on it through COVID and it was implemented in 2022. We had a lot of ambitious impact initiatives and we hope to deliver 40 of these before the end of 2026.”
The strategy included a 50% hybrid target for passenger vehicles and slow transition to electric vehicles. It also included a technology pillar (telematics) so the fleet team could use average fuel efficiency of the fleet as a metric and watch it fall as moved through each stage of the plan.
With the introduction of electric vehicles to the fleet, the team offered a voluntary training course for employees that were interested in learning more about the EV technology. It’s not just a drive around the block. The program covers energy use, EV manufacturing processes, battery end of life options, and vehicle charging.
A key part of the green fleet strategy didn’t involve vehicles. With the help of the Climate and Conservation team the energy use within the workshop was reduced with LED lighting. Solar panels were installed and they reviewed the processes for managing workshop waste.
When accepting the award on behalf of the team, Brayley described the Greenfleet strategy as an initiative, ajourney, and a destination that is finally receiving the recognition that it deserves.
“I couldn’t be prouder of what our strategy has done and achieved for Logan City Council,” said Brayley. “A strategy that began its development before COVID and evolved through various challenging forms that often seemed unattainable. The ambitious stretch targets that we set are now becoming a reality. Delivering tangible benefits that transformed our organization and the community of Logan City council.”
“I want to acknowledge Logan City Council, my branch team, that couldn’t be with me tonight, and the contributions they make so that we can reach and exceed the extremely high bar that we set to push ourselves beyond our comfort zone.”
Brayley also thanked AfMA for creating an opportunity where sustainability innovators can challenge themselves; acknowledged and celebrated for their successes.
“The recognition fuels our energy rises to new heights,” said Brayley. “But I want to acknowledge my industry peers and fleet management network that are, and always will be a critical influence in testing and turning ideas into reality. This award underscores the pivotal role of local government and the private industry on how our collective expertise can drive meaningful sales and set new standards for environmental leadership.”
