What makes a sustainability leader? Meet our fleet management champions Mitie

Pictured: The Mitie team recieving their Award, at edie's ceremony hosted by Chris Packham (right)

Facilities management (FM) giant Mitie is targeting an 85% zero-carbon fleet by 2025, with the ultimate aim of 100%, as soon as technological advancements provide specialist EVs. Mitie had to slightly adapt its strategy due to Covid-19 and the subsequent shortage in parts. This is affecting the van supply, so Mitie is increasing the number of small EVs within its fleet to ensure it meets its target.

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The business’s strategy for transitioning its fleet understands the importance of installing the correct supporting infrastructure and, by March 2022, it had installed 1,281 charge points at residential locations– paid through a partnership with Mina – and commercial locations.

Mitie’s fleet transition is aligned with Mitie’s Plan Zero (PZ) initiative, committing to net-zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2025 and a science-based net-zero Scope 3 target by 2035. Transitioning its fleet fits into the first pillar of PZ: Eliminate carbon emissions from power and transport.

Another of Mitie’s objectives is to increase its green services. This transition embeds sustainability into its services through travelling in EVs, and has allowed it to develop specialist services, including the UK’s first electric-gritter – named “Gritter Thunberg”.

Mitie operates an “electric first” policy. Every internal combustion engine vehicle replaced with an EV removes five tonnes of CO2 annually. Within  ICE vehicles, technologies are being utilised which reduce fuel and emissions, including Driver Behaviour LED Lightbars – reducing excessive idling by a buzzer sounding if idling for longer than a minute.

This reduces idling time by 1,000 hours per week, and reduced diesel consumption by 75,000 litres, saving 195 tonnes of carbon in one year. A driver behaviour score is produced, allowing intervention if needed. This was launched internally with information posters.

To support the initiative, specific EV driver training modules were produced, alongside an online forum for EV drivers to communicate.

The organisation’s ‘Driver Risk Management Framework’ analyses a range of data, and where appropriate, interventions awarded. Line managers are kept informed every step of the way, and where necessary training (via interactive eLearning sessions) are mandated. This approach is well received, and the sessions promote safe and fuel-efficient driving.

Mitie had been aiming for 30% of its fleet to be zero-carbon by the end of the 2021-22 financial year. This ambition was achieved early, with the company posting that it had met the milestone in January 2022.

Aside from its fast EV rollout, the business has implemented Video Browse within its fleet. This allows tracking to better understand fleet operations, improving efficiency, performance, and safety. This innovation also gives the organisation artificial intelligence on elements such as accelerating and braking, allowing insight to be shared and action to be taken if necessary.

edie’s judges said: “Mitie has driven amazing progress over the last year. The firm has electrified the market by investing in the charging network and improved network safety though innovation. And who can
resist Gritter Thunberg – the first EV gritter. ”

Are you our next winner?

Now in its 16^th year, the world’s largest sustainable business awards scheme – formerly known as the Sustainability Leaders Awards – continues to champion bold and brilliant climate leadership. From the most ambitious net-zero carbon programmes through to cutting-edge green innovations; from impactful climate partnerships and social sustainability initiatives to the heroes on the ground who are driving positive change.

The edie Awards are hosted during our flagship Business Leadership Month, offering a unique opportunity to have your sustainability achievements recognised and admired by thousands of businesses and climate experts. Winning an edie Award empowers teams, inspires stakeholders and accelerates sustainable business growth.

Entries for the awards are NOW OPEN and the deadline for entries is 14 October. The winners will then be revealed at a ceremony in London on 30 March 2023. Click here for full details and to enter.