FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
Environmental solutions provider, Veolia, and its partner Westminster City Council have unveiled a 60 strong fleet of new and upcycled electric vehicles. The new electric fleet will be one of the largest operated by a waste and street cleansing contract in any local authority in the UK.
The vehicles will make street cleansing services in the West End fully electric for the first time, reducing emissions and leading the way towards carbon neutrality.
This fully electric fleet will allow an 89 per cent reduction of CO2e emissions compared to a diesel fleet, in line with Westminster City Council’s carbon net zero by 2040 plans. It will also help improve air quality and lower noise pollution as electric motors are significantly quieter.
Veolia’s energy teams have supported Westminster in installing smart charging infrastructure across Westminster’s West End depots, with Farm Street depot in Mayfair being fully electric.
The full range of vehicles, from e-RCVs to e-trikes and e-sweepers were displayed at Waterloo Place, London which was reimagined as “Electric Place” for the event. Representatives from key stakeholder groups, Councillors and businesses were invited to view the vehicles and even test out the recycling collection e-trikes.
Gavin Graveson, Executive Vice President Veolia UK & Ireland said: “These electric vehicles demonstrate our commitment to ecological transformation and working with our partner, Westminster City Council to lead the transition away from diesel power.
“By making this change we’re cutting carbon, making the City cleaner and greener and ensuring the West End is at the forefront of innovation.”
Councillor Rachael Robathan, Leader of Westminster City Council, added: “Air quality is one of the most important issues for our residents, and the move to all-electric vehicle fleets is a key step towards our commitment to be carbon zero by 2030.
“This collection of state-of-the-art electric vehicles will transform the way we clean our streets and collect waste and recycling across Westminster. Cleaning in the West End is now fully electric – and the rest of the City soon will be as we roll out more electric vehicles over the next 12 months.
“We are proud to be working in partnership with Veolia to reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality, and make Westminster a greener and cleaner City for All.”
Veolia operates Westminster City Council’s recycling and waste collections as well as its street cleansing operations.
As workplaces open up and restrictions lift the role of the FM has become more important than ever.
The challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic are now providing a valuable opportunity for FMs to demonstrate their skills and adaptability. Whilst on a practical level FMs are responsible for making buildings safe and comfortable, they are also crucial in attracting people back to the office.
In speaking with industry leaders, it is clear that there are six key areas of focus. Zip has published a white paper which looks at each one, suggesting ways that facilities managers can tackle the complexities and pace of a return to the workplace, whilst demonstrating clear and effective leadership along the way.
To find out more download the white paper here.
