Background

Fife Council declared a Climate Emergency in 2019 and published the Climate Fife 2020-2030 Strategy stating, “Fife Council wants to lead by example in our response to the climate emergency and use our procurement, assets and staff to help deliver a zero carbon and resilient Fife.”

Under the Sustainable Transport theme in the Strategy, two key outcomes are ‘Improve the fuel and carbon efficiency of local private sector and public transport fleets’ and ‘Tackle problematic air quality’. 

Other Strategies identified as key in influencing the approach taken were:

• Public Procurement Strategy for Scotland (2023-2028) for focus on Procurement Capability, Supplier Development, Engagement, and Collaboration
• Plan4Fife (2017-2027) for focus on Opportunities for All, Thriving Places, Inclusive Growth and Jobs, and Community Led Services.

The objectives of strategic transport outcomes were to:

• Reduce emissions
• Make suppliers aware of climate strategy and targets
• Ensure suppliers can realistically meet targets on time and on budget.

It was identified that key areas of focus for the outcomes were:

• Transitioning to cleaner engines
• Fleet management and incentives to reduce emissions
• Depot/office incentives to reward good environmental initiatives

The measurable benefits associated with success were:

• Ability to monitor reduction in fleet emissions over time on all bus contracts
• Proven reduction in fleet emissions
• Increased supplier awareness of Climate Fife and how it impacts the tendering process.