Food service provider Compass Group UK and Ireland has introduced an 100% electric car initiative for all new fleet and company car drivers.
Following the organisation’s commitment to reach climate net zero by 2030, this move will ensure workers have the opportunity to order an electric vehicle (EV) by the end of the year and switch over by May 2024 at the latest, impacting around 900 employees.
The business has also improved access to charging points by funding installations at staff members’ homes, client sites and at its Birmingham and Chertsey offices.
According to the organisation, the rollout of EVs will begin with those with the highest mileage and the longest leases in order to have the biggest impact on emissions straight away.
Ian Cranna, future food offer and new channels director at Compass Group UK and Ireland, commented that the COP26 climate change conference has brought into focus the necessity of taking action to reduce and reverse climate change.
“We are proud that our market leading net zero commitment and roadmap to net zero outline how we will make our contribution to this effort. Our move to 100% electric fleet vehicles is an important milestone towards achieving our goals in partnership with clients, suppliers and employees,” he said.
Ian Murphy, managing director of Compass’ procurement business Foodbuy, added that the team has worked with its car partner to research a comprehensive and forward thinking policy and range of cars that suit staff needs, an “ambitious and significant” investment.
“Our next step will be to look at our vans across the business. We’re already tracking activity and mileage to assess the viability of moving them across to electric vehicles, so we hope to make progress in this area very soon,” he said.