Electric van is first step by housebuilder in plan to cut carbon footprint

Housebuilder Springfield Properties has taken the first step in phasing diesel vehicles out of its fleet by introducing its first electric van, in Elgin.

It will be used by staff at the Moray-based group’s kit factory in the town.

The company also plans to install temporary mobile charging points at its building sites around Scotland to help reduce its carbon footprint.

It estimates a fullyelectric fleet will achieve a CO2 saving of 5.2 tonnes per vehicle.

The firm says its structured replacement plan will let it keep up with evolving technology.

Springfield chief executive, Innes Smith, said: “We are excited to have welcomed the first electric van into Springfield Properties’ fleet.

“This is the first step towards implementing allelectric vehicles across the business as we continue our journey on improving our sustainability.”

He added: “In a further policy change we are also set to introduce zeroemission electric company cars to staff.

“Previously we only offered car allowances; it’s a move that has been received very positively among colleagues. It demonstrates Springfield’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.”

Springfield said it had recently installed a bank of new electric charging stations at its offices in Elgin and Larbert near Falkirk. It has also set up a dual charging station at its Elgin kit factory.

In July, the AIM-listed group said it expected its sales to pass the £200 million mark for the first time when it publishes its annual results for the year to the end of May.

Springfield CEO Innes Smith with the electric van.