Melbourne Water is leadingthe industry by transitioning to a zero emissions vehicle fleet within 10years, as part of a ‘drive’ to be fully carbon neutral by 2030.
The authority has takendelivery of its first two Renault Zoe electric passenger vehicles whichprocurement Manager Rod Clifford said was the start of a bold transition of theentire fleet.
"From today, MelbourneWater will no longer purchase any additional combustion engine vehicles where azero emissions electric vehicle alternative is available, he said."
"By 2023 all ourpassenger vehicles will be zero emissions closely followed all our lightcommercial vehicles, all at no additional cost to the community we serve."
"We expect to purchase another three zeroemissions cars this year and ramp up our rollout quickly from there."
The commitment, a firstfor any Australian water authority, comes as Melbourne Water takes delivery ofits first two electric Renault Zoe passenger vehicles.
Melbourne WaterProcurement Manager Rod Clifford said the arrival of the cars was a huge step inthe utility’s greenhouse gas emission reduction pledge.
"Our existing fleet of petroland diesel vehicles travel around 11 million km per year and emits approximately2752 tonnes of CO2, so we’re committed to reducing these emissions, eventuallyall the way to zero," he said.
"We’re excited to take deliveryof our first zero emissions cars, as it means we only have 362 to go!"
Mr Clifford said theambitious plan was not without a few challenges.
"The biggest hurdle forus as an early adopter is acquiring zero emissions dual cab utes, as petrol anddiesel utes currently make up two thirds of our fleet."
"Electric only utilityvehicles are not yet available, but they are coming. We will be purchasingthese aggressively from 2022 and we expect Melbourne Water will be one of thefirst companies to order these types of vehicles in Australia."
Melbourne Water staffwill be trained to use the new zero emissions vehicles, which have differentdriving characteristics to traditional combustion engine cars.
"Driving an electricvehicle for the first time is a unique experience, due to the lack of enginenoise and the immediate acceleration, so we will be training our staff to beaware of these differences."
"During the transition toa zero emissions fleet, Melbourne Water staff will be encouraged to always bookone of the new vehicles over a combustion engine vehicle if one is available."
The zero emissions fleetcommitment reflects the directive from the Minister for Water for the Victorianwater sector to be carbon neutral by 2030 and supports Melbourne Water’s statusas a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact.
"Melbourne Water is all about enhancing life andliveability through healthy people, healthy places and a healthy environment,so a bold transition to a zero emission fleet makes sense for us." ---
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