Platform Housing Group has been shortlisted for a prestigious UK Green Business Award, recognising its innovative approach to reducing emissions through fleet electrification.
The organisation has been named a finalist in the Transport Project of the Year category, which celebrates projects that successfully reduce the environmental impact of transport and promote more sustainable ways of travelling. The awards, which take place on 24 June in London, recognise organisations leading the way in sustainability and innovation across the UK.
Platform’s submission focused on its ambitious programme to decarbonise its fleet – one of the largest contributors to its scope 1 GHG emissions – through the rollout of electric vehicles and supporting infrastructure.
With 50,000 homes and more than 120,000 customers, Platform has embedded sustainability at the heart of its corporate strategy. Fleet emissions alone previously accounted for more than 3000 tonnes of CO2 annually, making it a key area for targeted improvement.
Through a strategic and phased approach, Platform has introduced electric and plug in hybrid vehicles across its fleet, installed charging infrastructure at offices and colleagues’ homes, delivered a comprehensive colleagues engagement and training programme, and implemented telematics technology to improve driving efficiency.
This work has already delivered significant results, including around 550 tonnes of CO2 savings through electrification and improved driving behaviours, as well as strong colleague engagement with more than 90 per cent of drivers achieving high efficiency scores.
Lianne Taylor, Director of Sustainability at Platform Housing Group said: “We’re delighted to be shortlisted for this award. Decarbonising our fleet has been a major focus for us, and it’s fantastic to see the progress we’ve made recognised at a national level.
“This has been a real team effort, from building the right infrastructure to working closely with colleagues to make the transition as smooth as possible. We’re proud of what we’ve achieved so far and remain committed to going further.”
The project has also demonstrated wider benefits beyond environmental impact, including cost savings, improved operational performance and positive feedback from colleagues using the vehicles.
Looking ahead, Platform is continuing to expand its electric fleet, with a long term ambition to transition to a fully electric fleet by 2035, supporting its wider goal of achieving net zero.
Matthew Neale, Head of Fleet at Platform Housing Group said: “Being shortlisted for a UK Green Business Award is fantastic recognition of the progress we are making in reducing our environmental impact.
“Our fleet is one of the biggest contributors to our scope 1 emissions, so taking a strategic and proactive approach to electrification is essential. This project demonstrates how we can deliver meaningful carbon reductions while also improving efficiency and supporting our colleagues.
“We know there is still more to do, but this is an important step forward in our journey towards net zero and creating more sustainable homes and communities.”
For more news like this, click here.