A client has made clear commitments to reducing carbon emissions across its operations, as set out in their Climate Change Strategy 2022 to 2030 and reflected in their Climate Change Annual Report 2025. A key focus within this programme is the decarbonisation of the council’s vehicle fleet while maintaining reliable, cost-effective day-to-day operations.
At Brookvale Depot, the council required infrastructure that would support the transition to electric vehicles, reduce dependence on grid electricity, and deliver measurable carbon savings aligned with its wider climate objectives. Any solution also needed to be practical for an operational depot environment and capable of supporting future fleet growth.
Carbon3 worked in partnership with the council to deliver a phased solution that combined EV charging infrastructure with on-site renewable generation.
The first phase focused on installing EV charging infrastructure to support the council’s electric fleet. This included one dual 22 kW charger and eight dual 7.3 kW chargers, designed to meet daily operational charging requirements while allowing flexibility as the fleet continues to electrify.
Following the successful deployment of the charge points, Carbon3 designed and installed a 198 kWp solar PV system across the depot’s south-west and north-east facing roofs. The system was engineered to maximise on-site generation throughout the working day and to complement the charging patterns of the council’s fleet.
Once the solar PV system was installed, the EV chargers were integrated so that vehicles could be charged using on-site renewable electricity wherever possible. This approach ensures the council gains maximum value from both assets while reducing exposure to grid electricity costs.
Carbon3 was responsible for the design and installation of the EV charging infrastructure, the design and delivery of the solar PV system, and the integration of both technologies to ensure they operate effectively together. Our client organised a maintenance and monitoring contract with Carbon3 for a minimum of five years in order to keep the solar PV and EV chargers operating at their highest efficiency.
Over the last year, the EV chargers at the depot have delivered 19,948.47 kWh of electricity to electric council vehicles. This has enabled approximately 72,914 miles to be driven using electric vehicles rather than petrol or diesel alternatives.
As a result, around 13 tonnes of carbon dioxide have been avoided compared with driving an average petrol car. These outcomes demonstrate the tangible environmental benefits of EV charging for fleet vehicles. The carbon offset is also due to increase with the installation of the solar PV.
The depot project directly supports the council’s published climate commitments by reducing emissions from council-owned assets and providing clear, reportable data on carbon savings. The project contributes to the delivery of the council’s Climate Change Strategy. Beyond carbon reduction, the scheme also helps stabilise energy costs for the depot and demonstrates practical leadership in fleet decarbonisation at a local authority level.
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