Published: Monday 28 February 2022
Electric vehicles and new charging points have been introduced in Holland Park as Kensington and Chelsea continues its move towards Carbon Zero by 2030.
The park’s fleet of vans are being upgraded to electric models to reduce carbon emissions and the new charging points will allow the vehicles to be charged on site. There are currently four electric vans in the park’s fleet, with a further four being introduced this year as the charging points allow for more electric vehicles.
When the eight vehicles are in operation later this year, it will result in an annual saving of 35 tonnes of CO2.
The parks team already use all-electric strimmers, hedge cutters, leaf blowers and lawnmowers, meaning not only no emissions, but much less noise within the parks. They are also easier for the park keepers to use as they are lighter and don’t produce vibrations.
Welcoming the move, Cllr Emma Will, Lead Member for Leisure, said:
“Parks are the lungs of the borough and not only will our electric fleet help combat climate change, it will also improve air quality and cut noise pollution in the parks.
“We’re committed to doing our bit to help combat climate change and all our operations as a Council will be carbon neutral by 2030.
“I welcome having our parks contractors, Idverde, support us with this.”
Ben Binnell, Idverde Operations Director, added:
“This contract will be our greenest contract of any size in London, this will set the standard for reducing CO2 emissions, improving air quality and increasing biodiversity.”
The Council is about to launch its Biodiversity Action Plan which includes other environmental initiatives such as increased bulb planting, planting for pollinators and supporting the borough’s bee superhighway – creating pollinator hotspots across Kensington and Chelsea.
The Council’s Green Plan was published last year, with ambitions to improve air quality, tackle climate change, make more space for nature and habitats, support residents living in fuel poverty and minimise waste.