Colchester Institute took another step towards reducing its impact on the environment this week having completed the upgrade of its pool car fleet with the help of the Roy Tolley Motor Group.
Working in partnership with the Roy Tolley Motor Group, the College has purchased a further two electric vehicles to complement its existing ‘green’ fleet of cars, which has replaced the entire diesel pool car fleet.
By investing in electric vehicle technology to power its fleet, the College continues to support its outreach work across the community. With course delivery in locations across Braintree, Harwich and Clacton, College staff need the capability to visit these locations, as well as visiting secondary schools across North Essex, and not forgetting, over 2,000, of the employer partnerships, including apprenticeships, it supports across the East of England.
Natalie Hines, Director of Estates said “It was always our intention to gradually introduce electric vehicles over time. Our pool car fleet is in constant demand and by moving to zero emission technology we will reduce our carbon footprint as well as cutting maintenance and running costs. We now need to look at our minibus replacement plan.”
This is the latest in a line of sustainable initiatives that the College continues to deliver in order to work towards achieving its carbon reduction targets. With electric cars becoming ever more popular, Colchester Institute are delighted to be offering green skills courses within Motor Vehicle, among other areas too, that support this emerging sector.
Gary Horne MBE, Deputy Chief Executive said “We are delighted to partner with a long-standing family-owned business, in Colchester, to help us reach another important milestone. Whilst we are well on the way towards achieving our initial 50% carbon reduction target by 2030, we recognise this will not be easy given many of our buildings are over 50 years old, and we have an ever-growing student population”
Nick Ovens, Sales Controller at Roy Tolley Motor Group said “We were delighted to support the College when they approached us to supply new electric vehicles, and we hope this will lead to increasing the pool of skilled technicians entering the automotive industry”
(left to right) – Gary Horne MBE, Deputy Chief Executive at Colchester Institute, Natalie Hines, Director of Estates at Colchester Institute, Andrew Frost, Sales Controller at Roy Tolley Motor Group and Alison Andreas, Principal and Chief Executive at Colchester Institute.
