SWGR gears up to expand its electric vehicle fleet

Infrastructure support services provider SWGR has increased the number of electric vehicles (EVs) in its fleet in a commitment to drive down its carbon emissions.

Since the beginning of the year, SWGR has been introducing EVs to its nationwide fleet and will expand this further in the coming months.

This increase in EVs will support SWGR’s long term aspiration of being a carbon-neutral business.

The EVs have been used for both deliveries and project works across the UK, as SWGR adapts its operations in line with the Government’s requirements for fleets to be zero emissions by 2030.

The vehicles have already had a huge impact, reducing operational vehicle emissions per job by 60 per cent against a baseline and a target of 50 per cent, in part due to their ‘buy local’ policy.

Through the use of telematic technology, SWGR has been able to understand the extent of its CO2 footprint when travelling to and from projects. By introducing the use of electric vehicles where applicable, the company is able to determine significant percentage reductions in emissions.

This drive towards an electric fleet spearheads SWGR’s environmental focus to decrease its carbon footprint as part of its social value commitment. This commitment also includes:

· Recruiting locally across the UK to reduce travel distances between works and to stimulate the local economics within the areas in which the work is located.

· Reducing energy use for office locations; working to make SWGR’s nationwide delivery units smarter and more connected – including initiatives such as the installation of solar panels.

· Reducing waste generated by their offices by 25 per cent per capita.

· Converting 25 per cent of their company car fleet to be either electric or hybrid and meet the Euro 6 standard.

Fiona Baggley, Director of Business Services at SWGR, said: “The shift towards electric vehicles is important for our business in becoming carbon neutral. We want to demonstrate that we are making our own contribution to the Government’s commitment to introducing zero emission fleets by 2030, and like all change, this begins with taking the first step in our journey.

“Decarbonisation is of paramount importance to all rail industry businesses. We all operate vehicle fleets and we have an obligation to seriously consider how we manage our business travel and to do that responsibly from an environmental perspective.”

The benefits of introducing EVs to business fleets go beyond environmental. EVs can also provide reduced fuel costs, lower maintenance costs, and enhanced vehicle performance for many fleets.

SWGR is committed to developing and adapting as new innovations and technologies are made available in order to play its part in the decarbonisation process. Visit www.sw-gr.com to find out more.

Photo credit: SWGR

Download article