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In an Australian first, the ACT Emergency Service Agency (ESA) is partnering with Volvo Group Australia to co-design and develop net zero emission operational emergency services vehicles, including a range of heavy operational support vehicles.
The contract will allow ESA and Volvo Group Australia to co-design up to seven vehicles that meet operational requirements of an emergency service and the ACT Governments goal of net zero emissions by 2045. There are currently no low or zero emissions emergency service vehicles available on the market.
This partnership will allow current leading edge zero and low emission technology to be incorporated into the critical design requirements for emergency services vehicles. Fulfilling this contract will consolidate ESA’s position as an Australian leader in sustainability in emergency services.
The ACT is the leading jurisdiction in the transition to sustainable vehicles within their emergency services fleet. This partnership with Volvo Australia forms part of the sustainability initiative incorporated into the almost $13 million of funding provided for the ESA’s vehicle replacement program.
Quotes attributable to ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr:
The ACT Government continues to work towards a zero net emissions future. We are making sure that the government plays our part in the transition to a more sustainable future for Canberra.
The partnership with Volvo Group Australia will help with the Territory and the nation cut emissions and meet our collective ambition to limit global warming to two degrees or less.
Canberrans should be proud of our achievements to date, in our endeavours to reduce emissions through a more sustainable vehicle fleet.
Quotes attributable to Minster for Police and Emergency Services Mick Gentleman:
A zero net emissions future is non-negotiable, and today’s announcement will help ensure our frontline responders have the vehicles they need to help protect our community, but in a way that ensures we don’t harm our environment. Just as importantly, by working closely with Volvo we can ensure these vehicles also enhance the health, safety and comfort for frontline responders.
This agreement will also see Volvo explore ways they can make a greater contribution to our city’s economy, showing that reducing emissions is good for both the environment and the economy.
Quotes attributable to ACTESA Commissioner Georgeina Whelan:
At its core, the ACT ESA strives to ensure the safety of our community, staff and volunteers. Making the transition to a sustainable fleet and contributing to the wellbeing of Canberrans and our environment aligns with this key commitment.
The world around us is rapidly changing in terms of technology, workplace diversity and the environment and it is exciting that we are leading this change.
Quotes attributable to President and CEO Volvo Group Australia Martin Merrick.
Agreements like this are vital to help decarbonise our world and I applaud the agency and the ACT Government for its commitment to being a part of this journey with us.
We are very aware of the trust placed in us to fulfil this role. Every day around the world lives depend on our vehicles, and we look forward to that trust evolving towards an emissions-free environment to improve the lives of many more.
