Submitted by Grainne Kennedy on Mon, 2016-06-27 13:16
The University of Cambridge is proud to be one of the first organisations in the UK to receive ‘Go Ultra Low Company’ status. This newly launched initiative recognises organisations that are embracing electric vehicles (EVs) as part of a new scheme run by government and automotive industry campaign, Go Ultra Low.
We have been awarded ‘Go Ultra Low Company’ status in recognition of how plug-in cars and vans form an increasingly important part of our fleet. The accolade also recognises our commitment to boosting electric vehicle uptake over the next five years as part of our long-term transport strategy. In the coming years electric vehicles in our fleet will boost our eco-credentials, make a real difference to the environment by reducing carbon emissions and they will help to improve air quality in our region.
This status award was instigated by the University's Estate Management department and through the Fleet Strategy. Estate Management is committed to reducing the environmental impact of the fleet through better vehicle utilisation, reduction in fleet size and the use of cleaner fuel technologies. Alongside an advanced driver safety programme, telematics data and a robust fleet vehicle replacement programme, the strategy is contributing to the University's Green Challenge. The electric vehicles have been well received by operatives and have delivered savings in road fund tax, maintenance, administration and fuel costs.
Public and private sector organisations that already use EVs, or offer them to employees as company cars, are eligible for Go Ultra Low Company status, providing there’s a commitment for EVs to make up at least 5% of their vehicle fleet by 2020, which is in line with the University’s existing efforts where electric vehicles will soon make up 10% of the University’s fleet.
Further information about ultra-low emission vehicles, charge point locations, test-drive options and purchase incentives is available at www.goultralow.com