When the City of Wodonga joined the Cities for Climate Protection in 2003, strict tangible requirements imposed on the department by being a member of this UN-backed initiative prompted the purchase of two new Isuzu CXY 455 Gigas trucks.

Known as the ICLEI (International Council for Local Environment Initiatives), members of  this high profile organisation are exposed to world standards in sustainable development, and have access to technical information sharing, training, community education and research.

According to City of Wodonga Asset Management Officer, Jim Maher, the Isuzu trucks were chosen based on their strong environmental credentials.

"Being a member of the UN Cities for Climate Protection program is quite challenging when it comes to the fleet side of the business, as most of the council's emissions come from its vehicles," Mr Maher says.

"The City of Wodonga has implemented many programs since joining the ICLEI to meet the tangible emissions targets set by the UN.

"One has been the conversion of its old plant and fleet equipment from petroleum fuel to gas or diesel fuel, and the other being a stringent environmental policy when upgrading plant equipment.

"Replacing older equipment with two Isuzu CXY Giga 455 Premiums was based on the trucks' strong Japanese New Long Term 05 emissions rating (EuroV-equivalent) – these trucks are some of the cleanest you can buy on the market," he adds.

The environmental benefits brought to the City of Wodonga through the acquisition of the Gigas are not the only feature that has impressed the council, according to Mr Maher.

"I first saw the trucks at the Melbourne International Truck and Trailer Show, and was immediately drawn to the aesthetics of the cab and cabin design," he says.

"After taking one for a road test around the Wodonga region, I was further impressed by the handling of the vehicle, the standard appointments inside the cabin and ease of use of the AMT (Automated Manual Transmission)."

Maher says the City of Wodonga undertakes a very strict tender process for its fleets, as the vehicles it purchases not only have to comply with the UN environmental protocols, but the council's own standards for OH&S.

"The council uses the SAI Global business excellence framework, as used by leading Australian companies such as Qantas and Lendlease," Mr Maher says.

"During the tender process, the council sets strict outlines in OH&S, driver training and overall standards for its entire fleet – our drivers experienced the trucks first hand and were very pleased with the cabin ergonomics, appointment levels and general ease of use.

"The City of Wodonga through its Business Excellence framework gives ownership of its plant equipment to its drivers and involves them in the purchasing and tendering process.

"All the drivers have commented positively on the trucks and have been impressed with the AMT – this is the first time that the City of Wodonga has purchased a truck with an automated transmission.

"Furthermore, items such as the climate control, heated mirrors and the ISRI air suspended driver's seat usually come as additional cost add-ons in other brands– having them as standard features in the Isuzu Giga CXY was a great bonus," Mr Maher explains.

Through the Cities for Climate Protection program, the City of Wodonga from 2006 through to 2008 has saved around 600 tonnes of greenhouse gas by implementing various initiatives across all departments.

According to Mr Maher, the significance in purchasing trucks with strong environmental credentials has paid dividends over the years.

"Despite our fleet expanding from 107 to 115 units over the 2007/2008 financial year, we have still managed to save five tonnes of carbon emissions over that same period just from plant and fleet equipment," he says.

Currently, the City of Wodonga's two new Isuzu CXY Giga Premium trucks are specified for tipper and dog and tipper and trailer applications in roadside maintenance and council building projects.

The trucks are expected to travel around 20,000 kilometres a year and will be serviced exclusively by Isuzu technicians, as the council does not operate an on site workshop.