A fleet of electric vans has been introduced by landed estates business Bradford Estates in the latest phase of a long-term drive to reduce its environmental impact.
Five Volkswagen Transporter vehicles, each with a charging range of 190 miles, have been unveiled for use by staff working for the business, which has a principal asset of 12,000 acres on the Shropshire-Staffordshire border.
Generating zero carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, the arrival of the fleet continues the push by Bradford Estates in the latest phase of a long-term drive to reduce its environmental impact.
The vehicles will be used by staff working across the estate’s property, farming, forestry and leisure businesses.
Bradford Estates Managing Director Chris Hodson said: “The introduction of these five zero-emission electric vehicles provide a fantastic step forward in reducing our operational carbon footprint across the diverse Bradford Estates activities.
“By upgrading our day-to-day transport to electric vans, we are ensuring that our team on the ground can manage our assets in the most sustainable way possible.”
With a history dating from 1066 and led by family member Alexander Newport as Executive Chairman, Bradford Estates is implementing a 100-year plan centred around renewable energy, woodland creation, soil health and circular economy to ensure a healthy future for the local area.
Solar panels were installed at the Bradford Estates office on the A5 in Weston-under-Lizard in 2024 to enable the business to become energy self-sufficient by reducing reliance on the electricity grid.
Bradford Estates is producing its own power through the panels to be used or retained in its own battery store, powering its offices, existing electric car fleet and pushing any surplus back through the grid.
In 2023 a 200-kilowatt array of solar panels were also installed at the Estates primary farming facility, Woodlands Farm, on Mill Lane, Weston-under-Lizard where the power generated is used for drying grain and other crops grown by the Estates farming team and other local farmers.
The building, which has the latest tech controls in place, was built using carbon friendly concrete as part of the company’s drive to become net zero on its environmental impact.
Bradford Estates Executive Chairman Alexander Newport added: “This investment in a modern, electric fleet directly supports our 100-year plan to pioneer environmental stewardship and circular economy principles.
“Alongside our ongoing transition to self-sufficient solar power, these additions represent our long-term commitment to ensuring a cleaner, healthier future for our local communities.”
For more information on Bradford Estates visit www.bradford-estates.co.uk/what-we-do/