NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has taken a major step forward on its road to net zero, with the arrival of NHS Scotland’s first fully-electric 16.7-tonne truck and a full fleet of electric smart cars.
The truck – a Volvo FL Electric – is the first of its kind to be used by any health board in Scotland, and is one of two joining the health board’s fleet.
Alongside the delivery of the 17 smart #1 e-cars, it represents an investment of more than £760,000 in green transport and marks a significant milestone in the health board’s commitment to sustainable transport.
Paul Reid, head of transport and travel for the board, said: “The delivery of these new e-vehicles is a great moment for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
“The e Volvo trucks will be used to transport laundry between our hospital sites and the health board’s central laundry unit in Hillington, Glasgow, while the new smart cars will replace a range of existing pool cars that are used in a number of roles by our staff.
The significance of this latest procurement cannot be underestimated and, as well as being a considerable financial investment, it represents a huge step forward in our sustainable transport goals
“The smart car comes with a range of 260 miles from full charge, which will help of staff carry out community-based patient care in a zero-emissions car.
“The significance of this latest procurement cannot be underestimated and, as well as being a considerable financial investment, it represents a huge step forward in our sustainable transport goals.”
The latest arrival of electric vehicles is part of a wider five-year Climate Change and Sustainability Strategy which was officially launched last month.
The strategy sets out in detail its plans to tackle the climate emergency and its pathway towards net-zero heat greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2038 and an overall position of net zero GHG emissions by 2040.
The strategy will be reviewed every five years so it can evolve to reflect the board’s progress and changing national and international priorities.
And it sets out a range of objectives covering all areas of national policy requirements, with a particular focus on five key areas – transport fleet energy and transport, waste management, energy, green theatres, and environmental management.
The arrival of these new vehicles is one of the clearest demonstrations yet of the health board’s commitment to sustainability and net zero, in transport and in services across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Martin Johnston, head of sustainability at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “Sustainability is already central to a huge amount of work we do here, and we have made real strides towards our net zero targets and wider environmental goals.
“The arrival of these new vehicles is one of the clearest demonstrations yet of the health board’s commitment to sustainability and net zero, in transport and in services across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.”
Neil Park, managing director of supplying dealer, Volvo Truck and Bus Centre North & Scotland, added: “We are excited to be working with our customers to decarbonise road transport, and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s new Volvo FL Electrics are a tangible demonstration of their commitment to net zero and our ability to provide vehicle solutions to support the transformation.
“This first truck benefits from an increase in vehicle weight allowance from 16 to 16.7 tonnes to offset the additional weight of the battery, is quiet in operation, and produces zero tailpipe emissions, which all combined brings benefits for the climate, driver and the community.”