Traffic emissions make huge contributions to greenhouse gases. In fact, just over a quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions generated globally are through burning fossil fuels for vehicle use.
The use of vans at CCHA is difficult to overcome. They’re our only form of transport for repairs and, seeing as we can’t rule them out completely, we need to change our approach. (However, you’re not going to be seeing our repairs team on bikes trying to balance their spanners and screwdrivers just yet.)
As a result, we’ve committed to all new vans being low CO2 emission vehicles. Also, we’re hoping that we will be adding two electric cars to our fleet in 2021.
Minimum Emissions, Maximum Benefits
Environmentally Friendly: This will make huge improvements to the environment as they have no exhaust. No exhaust means no harmful gases; no harmful gases means reduction in local air pollution and cleaner local air quality.
Cost Effective: They’re cost effective, being cheaper to run and generate less money investment over the lifetime of the vehicle in comparison to petrol or diesel cars. They have no road tax, either, which is another added cost bonus.
Saving Money: Using electric pool cars reduces staff mileage expense costs. These costs can be reabsorbed into the business and used to improve our front line services (and this includes repairs!)
It’s not just four wheels that get the electric upgrade; our bikes are also having an overhaul. We have a cycle to work scheme for staff that includes the availability of electric bikes at a reduced cost. We’re installed eight electricity points in our bike shelter and our staff are working hard to use bikes and electric bikes to travel to and from work where possible.
Solar Power
The electricity needed to power these vehicles will be generated by solar panels at our head office. Of course, on the really sunny days where we generate lots of electricity, we’re not going to need all of that power. However, the electricity we don’t use is stored in batteries, ready for when we want to use it. (If, like us, you’re fascinated about how this works you can click here to find out more.)
There’s nothing being wasted here and it just gives us another reason to smile when we have a sunny day!