Emission free travel arrives at UQ

Staff at The University of Queensland (UQ) are now able to utilise vehicles that do not emit carbon dioxide and are powered by 100 per cent green energy.

Three new zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) are available for staff to utilise through the UQ Property and Facilities Fleet at the University's St Lucia and Gatton campuses and for parking regulation.

Deputy Director Property and Facilities, Geoff Dennis, said the vehicles mark a new era in sustainable transport at UQ.

“The zero emission vehicles do not produce exhaust, therefore do not emit carbon dioxide, chemical particulates or produce any engine noise,” Mr Dennis said.

“The St Lucia vehicles are powered by UQ Solar with electricity generated from the University’s own photovoltaic solar energy grid.”

The ZEVs replace a number of traditional internal combustion vehicles that were lost in the 2011 floods.

Mark Kranz, from UQ’s Property and Facilities Division, said the vehicles are one of the many sustainable transport initiatives adopted by the University.

“The electric vehicles can travel 100km between recharging and can be driven by anyone with a valid driver’s licence,” Mr Kranz said.

“They are registered for travel on UQ’s restricted road network and are available for staff to utilise through the Fleet.”

These vehicles have been replaced with zero emission transport which has reduced the consumption of traditional fuels and the pollution emitted by the traditional vehicles previously in use.

For further information see the UQ Sustainability webpage or contact Suzanne Davis, Sustainability Coordinator for Property & Facilities Division, 07 3365 2076.