Hammersmith & Fulham’s Greener Future: Veolia’s Electric Fleet Expansion

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In an exciting step toward sustainability, Hammersmith & Fulham Council, in partnership with Veolia, has introduced eight new electric cargo bikes to its expanding fleet of environmentally friendly vehicles. The initiative is part of the council’s larger commitment to reducing air pollution, enhancing service efficiency, and contributing to its ambitious target of becoming the greenest borough in the UK. This latest addition brings the fleet to a total of 20 electric vehicles, comprising eight cargo bikes, eight electric vans, three street cleansing cage vehicles, and one electric Refuse Collection Vehicle (eRCV), further strengthening the borough’s clean and green initiatives.

Improving Air Quality and Reducing Emissions

The switch to electric vehicles (EVs) is a vital step in improving air quality within Hammersmith & Fulham. Traditionally, street cleaning and waste collection fleets have relied on diesel-powered vehicles, which emit significant amounts of nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter (PM), all of which are harmful pollutants. However, electric vehicles are estimated to reduce these emissions by up to 89% compared to their diesel counterparts. This dramatic reduction in pollutants is expected to benefit not only the environment but also the health of residents and local wildlife by improving air quality in the borough.

As urban areas face growing challenges related to air pollution and its associated health risks, the adoption of electric vehicles in public services represents a crucial measure. By transitioning to electric vehicles, Hammersmith & Fulham Council is taking a proactive approach to address climate change and protect the environment. These efforts align with the council's broader goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2030, making Hammersmith & Fulham a leader in environmental stewardship among London boroughs.

Increased Efficiency with Electric Cargo Bikes

The introduction of electric cargo bikes is particularly noteworthy for its potential to boost operational efficiency. Cargo bikes are uniquely suited to navigating narrow pathways and streets, such as the Thames Pathway, that may be challenging for larger vehicles to access. This increased manoeuvrability will allow Veolia’s waste collection team to empty public litter bins and address issues like fly-tipping in hard-to-reach areas more effectively.

Not only do these bikes contribute to the borough’s environmental goals, but they also represent a practical solution for improving the speed and flexibility of service delivery. The new cargo bikes will enable waste collectors to cover more ground, reducing the strain on larger vehicles and making collections more streamlined and less intrusive to residents’ daily lives. Additionally, the quieter operation of electric bikes and vehicles will reduce noise pollution, contributing to a more peaceful urban environment.

Expanding Sustainable Waste Management Services

This expansion of the electric vehicle fleet builds on a broader suite of sustainable initiatives that Veolia and Hammersmith & Fulham Council have implemented since the start of their partnership in 2022. One of the major successes of this collaboration has been the introduction of food waste collection services to over 50,000 households in the borough. Food waste recycling plays a crucial role in reducing the amount of organic waste sent to landfills, which can release methane—a potent greenhouse gas. By diverting food waste to composting or anaerobic digestion facilities, the borough is further lowering its carbon footprint.

In addition, 16,000 kerbside properties have been equipped with wheeled bins for more efficient and organised recycling and waste disposal, making it easier for residents to participate in sustainable waste management practices.

The latest innovation is a new paid garden waste collection service. This service, which collects green waste from residents’ homes on a weekly basis, is another example of the council’s commitment to sustainability. The garden waste is taken to a composting facility where it is transformed into high-quality fertiliser, promoting a circular approach to waste management. Notably, the service will utilise the electric Refuse Collection Vehicle (eRCV), ensuring that the process remains environmentally friendly from start to finish.

Leadership in Sustainability

Leaders from both Veolia and Hammersmith & Fulham Council have expressed their enthusiasm for the initiative. Councillor Sharon Holder, Hammersmith & Fulham’s Cabinet Member for Public Realm, emphasised the dual benefits of the new electric fleet: not only will the vehicles contribute to cleaner streets and parks, but they will also help to reduce air pollution. This reflects the council’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the quality of life for residents, visitors, and local wildlife alike.

Scott Edgell, General Manager for Veolia South London, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the significance of these electric vehicles in supporting the borough’s net-zero target by 2030. He also emphasised how the fleet will streamline operations, providing residents with a more efficient waste collection and street cleansing service.

A Greener Future for Hammersmith & Fulham

The expansion of the electric vehicle fleet in Hammersmith & Fulham is a vital step toward creating a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable borough. As cities around the world grapple with the challenges of climate change, pollution, and waste management, the partnership between Veolia and Hammersmith & Fulham Council serves as a model for how local governments can take meaningful action. Through continued investment in innovative and sustainable solutions, the borough is well on its way to becoming one of the greenest in the UK, offering a brighter, cleaner future for all.

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