UPS to use biogas-powered vehicles during London Olympics

UPS has taken on 10 new vehicles that can make use of renewable biomethane to support operations at this summer’s London Olympics. The Mercedes dual-fuel biomethane and diesel vehicles are currently based at the company’s hub in Tamworth, Staffordshire, and come as part of the 2,500-strong alternative vehicle fleet UPS runs around the world.

The vehicles will be deployed at the Olympic Games as the event takes place in July, August and September, and will remain in the UK after the Games conclude.

The company said biomethane is a renewable fuel produced from decomposing organic waste at landfill sites or an increasing number of new-technology waste treatment facilities in the UK called anaerobic digesters.

UPS said the biomethane vehicles were the first of their kind for the UPS global fleet. The vehicles were converted by Nottingham-based Hardstaff Group.

Cindy Miller, managing director at UPS UK, Ireland and Nordics, said the new vehicles were part of her company’s work as an official sponsor to help Olympics organisers deliver the “most sustainable Games possible”.

“By using biomethane vehicles to deliver London 2012 we are putting our exploration of alternative fuel technology to the test at the world’s most significant peacetime logistical event,” she said.

“Using these vehicles to deliver London 2012 items will help us find the best, most responsible solutions to suit our business as it lives and breathes on the ground.”

The UPS green fleet for London 2012 also includes five electric vehicles operating out of key London facilities. The company is also planning on using bicycles and on-foot deliveries during the Games, and while offsetting emissions that cannot be managed out of the system.

As official logistics and express delivery supporter of the London 2012 Olympics, UPS is expecting to handle millions of items during the event, including around one million pieces of sporting equipment.