Green Gown Awards 2016 – Facilities and Services – University of Birmingham – Finalist

Brum brum: Driving greener fuels at Birmingham

Turning scientific research into reality, the University of Birmingham is leading the way in greener vehicles, fuel technology and everyday sustainable travel options resulting in one of the most sustainable fleets in the country.

Our academics and operational staff have joined forces to embed and encourage alternative fuelled vehicles, which are now the natural choice for travel procedures meaning that 19% of the fleet are no longer using conventional fuels but a mixture of hydrogen fuel cell, electric and hybrid engines.

Through improved infrastructure and salary sacrifices schemes, staff are also encouraged and supported to buy their own greener vehicles as part of the University’s Green Travel Plan to increase the usage of sustainable methods of transport across Birmingham.

Top 3 learnings

1 We have found that collaborating and utilising research carried out into fuel cell technologies by our academics has been pivotal in developing our sustainable fleet

2 Working together with procurement in creating a mandatory process whereby all fleet bookings come through one central point has enabled our team to collect and use data that has been used to positively implement new fuel cell technologies on campus

3 Providing staff with access to information about alternate fuel vehicles, offering salary schemes and having infrastructure on campus to support those vehicles, we’ve seen a cultural change in staff behaviour and interest in sustainable fuel vehicles.

CO2t Savings: 19.8 tonnes      
Actual/Estimated: Estimated
No. of yrs: with 21 electric vehicles out of 92 to date (September 2016)

Videos

• Brum brum: Driving greener fuels at Birmingham (click to hide)