Electric van first of many for McCallums Group

Southland’s McCallums Group is one of 31 successful applicants for the EECA’s Low Emission Vehicles Contestable Fund this year.

They will receive $35,000 toward one electric van to replace one of their delivery vans, one of the many steps they are taking to increase the sustainability and environmental responsibility of the company.

The group, which includes Apparelmaster and Linenmaster, are a leader in New Zealand’s workwear and linen rental and laundry industry and participants in a formal, independent carbon and sustainability programme with Instep.

Since joining the programme in 2013, McCallums have already reduced their total emissions by 40.32 percent and are constantly exploring ways to keep improving on this.

With the support of Venture Southland, McCallums Group strive to be as LEAN as possible with carbon reduction and thermal optimisation projects topping the bill. The focus on fleet management is an important step in the businesses sustainability commitment as they run 14 commercial vehicles as far north as Queenstown.

With 18 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in New Zealand coming from transport,  McCallums recognise the need to reduce this aspect of their carbon footprint.

The plan is to introduce EV’s into the fleet over a period of five years wherever possible to work towards meeting their sustainable and business targets and goals. Given the radius of regular travel, McCallums is also doing its part to promote the responsible use of electric vehicles on New Zealand roads, especially to other commercial organisations.