Official: Electric cars have lower carbon footprint

Paul Clark at the Green-Car-Guide.com supports Ashton Hayes and has sent us this report...

Electric and hybrid cars create more carbon emissions during their production than standard vehicles – but are still greener overall, according to a new report.

The report highlights the increasing importance of accounting for whole life carbon emissions to compare the greenhouse gas emissions of low carbon vehicles. The report was prepared by Ricardofor, and in collaboration with, the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LowCVP) that includes major vehicle manufacturers and oil companies.

The study found that some of the CO2 savings made during the use of low carbon vehicles is offset by increased emissions created during their production, and to a lesser extent disposal. However, overall electric and hybrid vehicles still have lower carbon footprints than normal cars.

For example, a typical medium sized family car will create around 24 tonnes of CO2 during its life cycle, while an electric vehicle (EV) will produce around 18 tonnes over its life. For a battery EV, 46% of its total carbon footprint is generated at the factory, before it has travelled a single mile.

Project engineer's comment on our project

Here's what Peter Griffiths, our project engineer for our new low carbon sports pavillion, has to say about us....thanks Peter!

“Carbon neutrality is a subject much discussed by the well meaning, but often only acted upon by the few. My aim is to get on with actively doing something now, and it has been a pleasure to be involved with the people of Ashton Hayes who have actually achieved something which others only speak of. The construction of the new sports pavilion, and home for the community electric car has been a highlight and I am excited about its wider contribution to the Ashton Hayes Project.”

Peter Griffiths

PGA Management

peter@pgamanagement.co.uk

Project Management in Carbon Efficient Construction and Community Projects



Helen Rimmer wins MBE Honour

Congratulations to our village postmistress, Helen Rimmer, who was awarded the honour of Member of the British Empire (MBE) on 11 June to mark the Queen's birthday. The well deserved award was given to Helen for her services to the community of Ashton Hayes, where she has been a stalwart of community activity for as long as we can all remember.

Community electric car sparks interest

In June we took delivery of our new zero emission Nissan Leaf community electric vehicle which will be recharged using energy generated by solar panels on the roof of our low carbon sports pavillion. The car will run for about 95 miles when fully charged and comes full of useful gizmos including SATNAV and A/C. Village residents over 18 will soon be able sign up for the scheme and we are using the Commonwheels social enterprise company to managed booking online or by phone. Residents will be given instruction on how to operate the vehicle and guidance on managing the distances they can drive. As more charge points are installed across the UK, the distances we wll be able to drive should increase. Members who join the car club will also get access to the UK-wide Commonwheels network. (The car is pictured here outside our thriving community owned shop and with test driver, Garry Charnock).

Thanks to our contractors

We just want to say a big thanks to all the contractors and suppliers who have pulled out the stops to help us deliver our DECC-funded projects.

Fordingbridge
Raine or Shine
Westway Nissan
Sundog Energy
EA Technology
POD Point

Commonwheels
University of Chester

and also to CWAC for speedy decision making!