GHD’s ZEVO (Zero Emissions Vehicle Optimization) Study focused on logistics, finance, environment, and energy efficiency- Winning the 2024 Environment Analyst Digital Innovation Award.

ZEVO has been applied by more than 30 GHD clients who use ZEVO analysis to identify the optimal transition pathway to decarbonization that works best for their fleet of vehicles.

 

The award recognized GHD’s fleet decarbonization solution, GHD ZEVO (Zero Emissions Vehicle Optimization), a proprietary platform developed for fleet operators which distills fleet data into simple-to-understand insights for vehicle fleet transition to zero emissions.

By providing an understanding of all economic and environmental aspects of a project — from new charging or hydrogen fueling infrastructure to purchasing ZEVs (zero emissions vehicles), this optimises organisational change management.

While the study focused on light-duty AWD SUVs and Utility Trucks, with Australia’s expansive desert lands attracting massive carbon footprints from logistics trucking fleets and industry transportation, this could be the answer. There are 62,058 road freight transport businesses in Australia as of 2024, an increase of 3.1% from 2023. According to Modor Intelligence,  the Australia Freight and Logistics Market size is estimated at 94.5 billion USD in 2024, and is expected to reach 122.7 billion USD by 2030. That’s a 23% increase.

GHD ZEVO is a tool for optimising fleet decarbonization, adaptable to various fleet types and energy sources. It uses road topography and geolocation data to map vehicle operations, allowing us to analyze Western Australia’s entire road system.

GHD has committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2025. They are working towards reducing their greenhouse gas emissions across all scopes (1, 2, and 3) in alignment with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) This commitment is part of their broader sustainability agenda to create lasting community benefits and support global climate goals.

Our Fleet Net Zero Optimisation study helps us create a practical strategy for transitioning our fleet, focusing on logistics, finance, environment, and energy efficiency.

In Western Australia, our Transport team collaborated with the Asset Management Support Services (AMSS) team to develop a Zero Emissions Vehicle Optimisation strategy for our fleet serving Main Roads WA. This strategy will help decarbonise our vehicles and transition to zero emissions technology.

We lease a mixed fleet of light-duty AWD SUVs and Utility Trucks that cover about 2.5 million sq km in Western Australia, including short and long-range trips. A key challenge was proving the feasibility of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles for Main Roads, especially in regional and remote areas.

Service Assessment

We analyzed GPS telematics from the fleet over 355 days to assess vehicle operations. Our modeling predicted that about 70% of trips could be made by Zero Emissions Vehicles (ZEVs) based on speed, acceleration, topography, climate, and congestion.

Fleet Assessment

Using GHD ZEVOTM’s statistical model, we evaluated each vehicle’s operational viability, considering factors like odometer readings and carbon intensity. We created a database of available EVs and hybrids to identify the best options for our fleet. A fleet attrition plan was also developed to predict replacement dates based on viability.

Scenario-Based Planning

Based on our assessments, we developed several fleet transition scenarios, analyzing environmental impacts, financial aspects, and infrastructure needs.

  • Carbon Analysis: Identified a potential annual CO2 offset of 11,000 kg with a mixed fleet of hybrids and EVs.
  • Financial Analysis: Outlined CAPEX and OPEX expectations and potential government incentives.
  • Utility Analysis: Predicted the number of chargers needed and energy demands.
  • Energy Analysis: Estimated an annual fuel savings of AUD 84,000.

Impact

The study concluded that a hybrid fleet combining EVs and hybrids is ideal. GHD will collaborate with vehicle suppliers to transition to these models.

 More about GHD ZEVO TM

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