GHD launches fleet decarbonization tool ZEVO
GHD, a global design and engineering consultancy, has launched ZEVO (Zero Emission Vehicle Optimization), a proprietary platform for analyzing vehicle fleet transitions to zero emissions. The firm also released a report – “The Shift: Accelerating your fleet decarbonization journey” – which provides guidance on navigating the fleet decarbonization process across public and private sectors in North America.
The transport sector, a large part of which is composed of fleet vehicles, contributes approximately 30% of greenhouse gases in Canada and the US. Fleet decarbonization is an economically and logistically feasible avenue for combatting climate change and making progress on 2050 net-zero goals, GHD says.
“As Canada and the USA work towards reducing carbon emissions, fleet decarbonization represents meaningful health and economic opportunities when total ownership costs are considered,” said Rippan Bhattacharjee, GHD fleet decarbonization leader. “Guided by our ZEVO tool, we help fleet owners implement forward-thinking, practical technology-driven solutions to accelerate their decarbonization outcomes while mitigating the risks.”
ZEVO enables an upfront feasibility assessment for complex fleet transitions – transforming operational data into various decarbonization timeline scenarios.
GHD’s recent report, meanwhile, outlines a four-phased approach for confronting challenges to a successful transition – from mining and agricultural vehicle fleets to last-mile delivery vans.
The first part is planning – including defining goals and ambitions, conducting feasibility studies, and life-cycle assessments of a new fleet. Next is real-world testing, which entails using a few pilot vehicles to validate feasibility studies and life-cycle analysis to ensure suitability for the operating environment.
The third phase is implementation planning, which includes applying for government funds, exploring sources of capital, and securing permits for depots and fueling and charging infrastructure.
The final phase of fleet transition is optimization and sustainment, which involves optimizing operational strategies for a new fleet to capitalize on strengths and minimize weaknesses. This can include altering maintenance programs and creating new standard operating procedures and schedules.
“Transitioning to a decarbonized fleet is a multifaceted journey with many essential pitstops. Having a comprehensive roadmap can help to ensure the pivot is successful,” added Bhattacharjee.
