North West Regional College advances net zero with new electric fleet vehicles

North West Regional College (NWRC) has taken delivery of new electric vehicles from local supplier Desmond Motors, marking the latest stage in a phased plan to replace existing fleet vehicles with low-emission electric alternatives.

Representatives from NWRC accepted the keys to the new vehicles which form part of the college’s wider sustainability strategy to reduce carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency and support Northern Ireland’s transition to a greener economy.

The electric vehicles, supported by the Department for the Economy, will be used by staff across a range of college services, helping to lower emissions associated with travel between campuses and within the wider community.

Gary Bradley, Estates Manager at NWRC said: “We are committed to reducing the environmental impact of our estate and fleet. Transitioning our vehicles to electric is a practical step that will help lower our carbon emissions while supporting our wider sustainability goals. This is part of a phased approach, and we look forward to continuing the transition over the coming years.”

Francine Moran, Principal Lecturer in Sustainability & Social Responsibility who has oversight of the College Sustainability Strategy and Action Plan across curriculum, operations and support services, highlighted the alignment with skills development: “The transition to electric vehicles reflects the college’s commitment to embedding sustainability across all aspects of our work.

"Through our Sustainability Strategy and Action Plan we are integrating sustainable practices across our campuses, operations and curriculum, while also equipping our students with the knowledge and green skills required for a low-carbon future.”

The Principal Lecturer added that the college is future-proofing its curriculum with relevant training programmes: “We are continuing to develop courses in electric and hybrid vehicle technologies, ensuring our students gain the skills needed to support the transition to cleaner transport. We also currently deliver a fully funded PEACEPLUS Level 3 course in Designing and Installing Electric Vehicle Charging Points, helping build the specialist skills required to support the growing EV infrastructure across the region.”

For further information on any of the above courses, please visit grasp@nwrc.ac.uk

PICTRUED ABOVE: Alan Starrs, NWRC Lecturer, Eunan O'Hara, Desmond Motors, Gary Bradley NWRC Estates Manager, Francine Moran, Principal Lecturer in Sustainability & Social Responsibility, and Johnny Orr, NWRC Lecturer. PHOTO: Martin McKeown.