Jersey Post has been shortlisted for two national awards at this year’s Green Fleet Awards.
Following previous fuel saving initiatives - the introduction of telematics, stop-start technology and driver training - in August this year, Jersey Post introduced 15 Nissan e-NV200 electric vehicles to its 116 strong delivery fleet. Earlier in 2016, Jersey Post also introduced 22 electrical bicycles which replaced some of their traditional pedal-powered postal bikes.
Jersey Post’s current vehicle fleet has over 116 vans, the majority of which are on a rolling five-year warranty agreement. With at least 32 of the current fleet approaching this milestone, Jersey Post worked with a number of local suppliers, namely Jersey Electricity, Freelance as well as Nissan, to source a solution that not only worked financially, but that also provided a good fit with the company’s CSR policy of minimising the impact of the postal delivery network on our island and the wider environment.
In recognition of Jersey Post’s successful transition to electric vehicles, the organisation has been shortlisted for the Private Sector of the Year Award (Small to Medium Category) and their Fleet Manager, Darren Moon, has also been shortlisted for Private Sector Fleet Manager of the Year for his involvement in the electric van and bike projects at Jersey Post.
Andy Jehan, Director of Operations at Jersey Post stated, “As a heavy road user, Jersey Post is constantly reviewing options for reducing our impact on the environment. Not only are these vehicles fantastic in terms of their minimal environmental impact, but also they provide the added bonus that the solution we agreed on is actually very cost-effective over a
five-year period, potentially a saving of up to 40% over five years compared to our previous arrangements. Darren was a huge asset in pulling together the financial information that supported our transition to electric, but also in ensuring that the vehicles integrate with our existing fleet and provide the daily operational performance we need.”
The move will reduce Jersey Post’s carbon footprint by 35 tonnes a year, as each van’s emissions will reduce by around 95%. The acquisition of 15 e-NV200s is just the start of the de-carbonisation of Jersey Post’s 116-vehicle fleet as the utility intends to replace other diesel vehicles as and when they come to the end of their warranty.
Darren Moon said, "These vehicles help us achieve a number of operational objectives, both environmentally and performance-wise. They offer a great load capacity and are very well suited to the type of stop-start driving over short distances that is typical of life in Jersey. I really enjoyed the challenges that this project gave me as Fleet Manager and never thought for one second that it would result in being shortlisted for a national award I'm truly delighted!"
The 15 Nissan e-NV200s are already in use on delivery rounds island-wide and can be easily identified by the environmentally themed livery that adorns the side of the vehicles. To bring these vehicles into the fleet was a detailed process and made possible by the assistance received from partners; Nissan, Freelance and Jersey Electricity, in bringing this project together.
The Green Fleet Awards take place tonight, Thursday 17 November, at Edgbaston Cricket Ground.