Going electric as our first fully electric van hits the road!

Earlier this month our first electric vehicle hit the road. 

We are on a mission to drive forward its environmental sustainability focus and one aspect of this is the pilot of ultralow emission fleet vehicles for its operatives.

Our Environmental Sustainability Manager, Jonathan Newton said: “By investing in reducing our carbon footprint and emissions we are stepping up our commitment to tackling climate change and looking for new and efficient ways to best serve our customers.”

"The pilot of the electric van forms part of the group's planned pathway to meet the government's net zero target by 2050 and is the first step towards the decarbonisation of our fleet in preparation for the planned phase out of new petrol and diesel cars and vans from 2030. We will be monitoring carbon emissions reduction, as well as real world running and vehicle maintenance costs, which will help guide our decarbonisation strategy going forward.

The new 100% electric van has a fresh and green design theme, which makes it stand apart from the rest of the housing group's trade vehicles. This is thanks to the Group's supported intern, Michael, who showed an interest in graphic design when carrying out his internship with the group last year, as part of the DFN Project SEARCH programme. The programme, which Progress Housing Group is a host employer for, offers supported workplace internships to young people with a learning disability or young people who are autistic.

Michael was invited to come along to the unveiling of the new van and was thrilled to see his work brought to life: “I liked work on it. Seeing it has made me feel like I've achieved something great, I'm really proud of it."

Michaels's mum Michelle added: "I am so happy and proud. It's Michael's legacy from his time working with Progress Housing Group. It shows what the supported interns can achieve and has been a great experience for Michael.”

To help charge the new electric van and the Group's colleagues' and visitors' vehicles too, the we plans to add electrical charging points to our offices in Leyland.

Andy, the Group's Retrofit Contracts Surveyor and first colleague to drive the new electric vehicle (EV) said: "I have found the transition to an EV pretty easy. After a week or so you stop staring at the distance travelled and the range and constantly doing the maths and just use it like an ordinary vehicle. We have learnt a lot from this pilot that will inform the Group's future plans and I’m happy to be part of it."

Throughout the last year, the Group has launched several initiatives to reduce its long-term impact on the environment and address fuel poverty for its tenants. This has included installing more efficient heating systems, and renewable energy sources in its buildings and tenant homes. It is also an active member of the Vantage Zero Carbon Club, collaborating with registered providers and local authorities to share best practice and maximise value for money in retrofit projects.