Sky’s fleet is going green with the arrival of 151 Ford Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vans (PHEVs) to be used by its Sky Engineers across the UK.

In February 2020, Sky set its commitment to be net zero carbon by 2030, two decades ahead of the government’s target and outlined its ambition to transition its fleet of more than 5,000 vehicles to zero emissions over the next ten years.

Jeremy Darroch, Group Chief Executive of Sky, said: “This is an exciting move towards our Sky Zero commitment to be net zero carbon by 2030. The arrival of these Ford Transit Plug-In Hybrid Vans means we are cutting emissions today, while working towards finding 100% electric solutions for tomorrow.
“The great strength of our business is its ability to adapt to change, and responding to the growing climate emergency is no exception. We want to work with suppliers and the government to speed up the transition to net zero fleets and ensure we have a strong charging infrastructure across the country.”

Neil Wilson, Ford fleet director, said: “Our new plug-in Ford Transit works for businesses driving in towns because its development included input and learnings from city-based fleets including Sky.
“They had one of the 20 prototypes Ford loaned 17 London fleets in total, to understand real-world usage by collecting data on the test vans’ performance.  I’m delighted that this early access impressed Sky enough for Ford to win this important and valued order.”

Sky has been carbon neutral from its own operations since 2006, but to reach net zero it will reduce its fleet emissions, which currently contribute 33% to its overall operational emissions.

The Ford PHEV Transit vans have a zero-emission range of 35 miles whilst operating with a full load and carrying the ladders required for most installations. The new additions deliver a CO2 reduction of 90 g/km, which is a CO2 saving of 60%, and will be assigned to low-mileage Sky Engineers to maximise the electric battery capacity and target a zero emissions operation.

The Ford PHEV Transit vans also feature geofencing technology that automatically modifies the vehicles settings based on its location, enabling it to switch into electric-only mode with urban and low emission areas.

Each van is wrapped in the eye-catching Sky Zero branding to help spread the campaign’s message across the country, encouraging others to #GoZero. Through its Sky Zero strategy, Sky will be making all its tech products more energy efficient, developing the world’s most sustainable film and TV studios and make every Sky original production, TV channel and film net zero carbon by 2030. Sky is also helping its 11,000 suppliers on their path to net zero and will plant trees, mangroves and seagrass to absorb any carbon that it cannot cut. Sky is validating its targets through the SBTi (Science-Based Target Initiative) and will publicly report its carbon footprint.

Sky Zero 2020 achievements

February 2020 – Sky announces commitment to become net zero carbon by 2030

May 2020 – Sky Sports wins the SVG One Planet Award for Sustainability in Sports TV

June 2020 – All Sky Originals from 2019 onward now certified CarbonNeutral® in the UK

July 2020 – Sky Sports become first broadcaster to sign up to UNFCCC’s Sports for Action Framework

July 2020 – Sky Sports confirmed as founding member of BAFTA albert Sports Consortium

July 2020 – Work begins on Sky Studios Elstree which will become the most sustainable film and TV production site in the world when it opens in 2022

September 2020 – Sky Sports announces all Premier League, EFL and Transfer Deadline Day live broadcasts will be BAFTA albert certified

October 2020 – Jeremy Darroch and Sky receive the inaugural MIP SDG Award presented to media companies for their action and contribution to delivering the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

November 2020 – Sky announces arrival of 151 new PHEV engineer vans that emit 60% less emissions.