United Utilities unveils 10-year green fleet plan

The Warrington-based firm aims to slash its annual diesel consumption from four million litres to zero.

Traditional fuels power most of United Utilities’ fleet of vans, 4X4s and plant equipment. The company’s green fleet journey began three years ago, with four electric cans, 11 site-based electric vehicles (EVs), two full electric car and two hybrids already purchased.

Nine EV charging points have also been installed across sites with the network set to be extended further.

United Utilities chief operating officer Steve Fraser said: “Our teams need to travel the length and breadth of the North West to keep the taps flowing and the toilets flushing for our customers.

“Traditional diesel-powered vehicles are not great for the environment, so our ambition is to migrate all of our fleet away from traditional fuels over the next 10 years. What is really exciting is our aim to power those vehicles with the energy we produce ourselves – a truly green solution.”

‘Forefront of developments’

United Utilities is working with the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership and the Northern Powerhouse to address the issue of reducing emissions across the North West. It is also partnering with charity Global Action Plan along with several large van operators to remove barriers and accelerate adoption of EVs across the UK.

“We’re working closely with a number of external suppliers to make sure that we are at the forefront of new developments in the industry,” United Utilities’ head of fleet Adam Dooley said.

“We are also investing in our apprentice mechanics – this year they will be some of the first in the country to train on EVs.”

The announcement was made on Clean Air Day (21 June), an event organised by Global Action Plan to highlight the scale of the toxic air challenge in the UK and abroad. Yesterday, edie rounded up some of the ground-breaking innovations being explored by companies across the globe as we look to tackle the dangers of air pollution.

George Ogleby