The Challenge
Local authorities have an important role in the UK’s transition to net zero. Beyond setting policy, councils are also responsible for leading by example. Decarbonising their estates, their vehicle fleets, and their wider operations shows constituents that net zero should be a priority.
While solar panels provide substantial carbon savings for many public sector projects, the roll-out of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure is becoming equally important. For councils, it is both a practical necessity to power their growing EV fleets and a visible demonstration of commitment to a low-carbon future.
Project Overview
At the head offices of one borough council, Carbon3 installed a combination of charging points to support the client’s expanding electric fleet. This included one 22kW fast charger and eight 7kW chargers.
The project provided the council with a central hub for charging vehicles that service the borough on a daily basis. By future-proofing the head office with reliable, efficient charging facilities, the council has taken a significant step forward in its wider EV strategy.
Results in Practice
Over the course of 2024, these chargers were used 1,056 times, delivering a total of 24,152 kWh of electricity.
When compared to an average petrol car emitting 0.6 CO₂e per mile, electric cars emit just 0.18 CO₂e per mile. The result is an annual carbon saving of more than 40,000 kg from the head office chargers alone.
This measurable reduction demonstrates the impact that EV infrastructure can deliver for councils pursuing their net zero goals.
Beyond the Head Office
This project is part of a larger partnership between Carbon3 and the council. Across the borough, we have installed multiple additional charging points to ensure the council’s EV fleet can operate without disruption.
Importantly, many of these charge points are also open to the public, enabling the council to generate a new revenue stream while supporting residents in their own transition to low-carbon travel.
Wider Significance
The benefits of this project go beyond the practical charging of vehicles:
- Carbon savings: tangible reductions that contribute directly to the council’s net zero strategy.
- Operational resilience: reliable charging ensures the council’s electric fleet can deliver services without interruption.
- Community leadership: visible investment in sustainable transport builds public confidence and sets an example for residents and businesses.
- Financial opportunity: public access chargers provide a return on investment while improving the borough’s charging network.
Why It Matters
As local authorities face increasing pressure to decarbonise and demonstrate progress against sustainability targets, investing in EV charging is a clear and impactful action. Combined with solar PV and other renewable solutions, EV infrastructure is helping councils lower emissions, reduce costs, and build a cleaner, healthier environment for their communities.
Carbon3’s expertise in designing and delivering integrated low-carbon systems enables councils to roll out projects like this efficiently and at scale to provide long-term benefits for both the organisation and the people they serve.
EV charging is a strong addition to any decarbonisation programme. Contact us to find out more.
