Warringah Council Wins First Prize for Soy Diesel Initiative

Warringah Council has won first prize in the 'Sustainable Procurement Award' for its Soy Diesel initiative at the Procurement Australia Excellence Awards 2011.

The alternative fuel source is used in Council’s diesel fleet and produces 19% less greenhouse gas per litre than regular fossil-diesel powered vehicles.

Soy diesel is made in Australia with 20% soy.

Warringah Council's soy diesel initiative reduces approximately 64 tons of green house gas emissions per year – the equivalent to taking nine cars off the road. This initiative is one of many strategies Council has taken to reduce its carbon footprint over the past few years, and through the use of these integrated strategies Council's annual CO2 emissions have been reduced by 2,500 tons.

The Sustainable Procurement Award recognises member organisations that have developed and implemented sustainable procurement policies and processes to reduce their carbon footprint, conserve energy and protect the environment.

Warringah Council beat competition from local and state government organisations from NSW, Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia to claim the award.

This is the second time Warringah Council has won a sustainability award. In 2007 Council won the NSW Local Government award for changing our fleet from 6-cylinder to 4-cylinder vehicles.

Soy diesel is also available to the public through United, the local fuel outlet Warringah Council negotiated with to provide the fuel to Council. Soy diesel has been warranted against engine damage.