Public sector decarbonisation

 

This issue of GreenFleet delves into the unique challenges faced by public sector fleet operators when decarbonising their vehicles.

 

With a diverse fleet mix, often made up of specialist vehicles, and a requirement to deliver essential services, the public sector must give careful consideration when switching to zero-emission vehicles.

 

To help public sector fleets, we cover the grants available to support charging infrastructure costs, whether that’s for local authorities rolling out charging in their local areas, or specifically for their own fleet.

 

We interview Angie Lillistone from Nottingham City Council about an innovative project which saw the council install bi-directional EV charging, solar and battery energy storage at its depot to create an energy eco-system. This approach could become a blueprint for how sites facing energy challenges can still transition to electric vehicles.

 

The NHS has committed to reaching net zero by 2040, and is exploring options for a complete transition to zero-emission vehicles by 2032, with the exception of ambulances which pose a particular challenge. We look at the innovation going on in healthcare fleet decarbonisation, including a trial being conducted by West Midlands Ambulance Service of the Electric Dual Crewed Ambulance.

 

Elsewhere, Mark Footman, CitySprint’s chief operating officer, shares his advice on creating a more environmentally-friendly fleet, following the company’s own success in this area which has helped them achieve carbon neutral status.

 

Angela Pisanu, editor