Aneurin Bevan University Health Board Switches to Electric Vans to Reduce Carbon Footprint

Published 11th October 2024

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB) has taken a significant step towards sustainability by replacing its fleet of diesel maintenance vehicles with electric vans. This transition comes following a need to renew the current fleet and achieve savings both financially and environmentally.

Simon Green, Fleet Officer for ABUHB explains: "The pandemic presented us with the opportunity to consider more environmentally friendly alternatives." The health board has decided to replace its diesel vehicles with Renault Kangoo Electric Vans, aligning with a growing trend of switching towards electric vehicles (EV).

This shift to EVs is expected to result in substantial fuel savings. The team estimates that the Health Board will save around £6,500 annually on fuel costs, which corresponds to approximately 4,000 litres of diesel per year. While the impact of each vehicle may be small, collectively, they will significantly reduce the health board's carbon footprint.

Matthew Lane, Energy Manager said: “There is a big national move towards EV as everyone is aware of. There is an associated carbon saving that’s just under 12,500kg carbon equivalent saved per annum.”

"This move demonstrates our commitment to the national NHS strategy," said Matthew. "The objectives within this strategy include a transition to an EV fleet, and our Estates Division is fully committed to these goals."

The new electric vans will be utilised by the Estates and Facilities division, allowing tradespersons to travel between sites within the health board's area for maintenance and repair of hospital buildings.

The initiative is also a response to the Welsh Assembly Government's 2019 declaration of a climate emergency. Simon Green, a father and grandfather, expressed his personal concern for the legacy left to future generations. "We need to take action now to ensure their security in the future.”

This switch to electric vans is one of many proactive steps by the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board to contribute to a more sustainable future, aligning with the The Well Being of Future Generations Act (Wales) 2015 and The NHS Wales Decarbonisation Strategic Delivery Plan.