University Of Warwick Alliances with Zest To Cut 15,000 Tonnes Of Carbon Emissions

The project under this partnership is owned by Warwick’s Estates team working in collaboration with Warwick academics, who have deep transport-related expertise.

The University of Warwick has joined forces with the turnkey investor-operator Zest to provide 173 electric vehicle (EVs) charging spaces in car parks across the campus.

Through this alliance, the university is aiming to encourage everyone to switch to electric vehicles. The facilities are projected to save more than 15,000 tonnes of CO2, equivalent to 69 million miles driven in a petrol car.

Parvez Islam, Director of Environmental Sustainability at the University of Warwick said, “Our goal is to reduce carbon emissions generated through all forms of transport and mobility, by providing greater choice and more sustainable forms of travel and opportunities to charge vehicles on campus. By working in partnership with Zest, we have been able to match our strong commitment to sustainability with real action. With charging spaces in the hundreds, drivers on campus will be reassured that switching to EV is a sustainable, desirable and convenient option.”

“With its deep expertise in automotive research and development, we are not surprised that the University of Warwick is taking the lead with a large-scale deployment of EV infrastructure. By providing abundant charging facilities now, more drivers will be encouraged to switch, with all of the climate decarbonisation and air quality benefits that go with it. We’re excited to see their positive effects, both on driver behaviours and in stimulating new automotive research," said Robin Heap, CEO at Zest.

University Of Warwick, Zest Partnership Details

The work has already been commenced to build the UK’s largest university campus charging facilities. As per the official statement of the university, transport and mobility including commuting remains the largest contributor to Warwick’s carbon emissions. There are no costs contributed by the university, instead Zest, a certified B Corp, is investing £1.3m over the 15-year agreement to provide and operate the charging facilities.

The project is owned by Warwick’s Estates team working in collaboration with Warwick academics, who have deep transport-related expertise. 

The university is known for its excellence in transport and future mobility research. The university campus is home to 'The National Automotive Innovation Centre'- a partnership between Tata Motors European Technical Centre, Jaguar Land Rover, and the University’s Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG).

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