NHS Fife is making significant progress in its commitment to sustainability, with the health board on course to meet the Scottish Government’s target of eliminating fossil-fuelled small and light commercial vehicles from its vehicle fleet by the end of 2025.
In line with the NHS Scotland Climate Emergency and Sustainability Strategy 2022-2026, NHS Fife has already achieved a 79% compliance rate as of December 2024, with 12 petrol and diesel-engine vehicles replaced with electric vehicles (EVs) and a further 10 vehicles removed from service.
By the end of 2025, all remaining petrol and diesel vehicles in the small and light commercial category are scheduled for replacement, ensuring a predicted compliance rate of 100%. This milestone will be achieved through planned funding arrangements and confirmed EV leases.
NHS Fife’s transition to electric vehicles has been supported by Transport Scotland’s investment in charging infrastructure. Across its sites, 69 charging points have been installed, ensuring that NHS Fife can reliably power its vehicles at key locations throughout Fife. Efforts are also underway to secure further funding to improve and increase charging infrastructure for patients and staff.
These investments are crucial in enabling a fully electric fleet while supporting Scotland’s broader decarbonisation goals.
While significant progress has been made with small and light commercial vehicles, the transition for heavy commercial vehicles presents much greater challenges. Currently, 10% of NHS Fife’s heavy fleet is electric, with further progress dependent on the availability of suitable EV technology and additional funding. The board remains committed to leasing low-emission heavy vehicles as they become available, aiming for full compliance by 2030.
Commenting on the progress, NHS Fife’s Head of Capital Planning, Ben Johnston, said:
“We are committed to ensuring we are as sustainable as we can be, and are proud of the significant strides we have made in transitioning to a fully electric fleet. We take our environmental responsibilities very seriously and by achieving 100% compliance for small and light commercial vehicles by 2025, we are leading the way in NHS Scotland’s mission to reduce carbon emissions and improve sustainability.
“NHS Fife remains dedicated to delivering high-quality, sustainable healthcare while reducing its carbon footprint, ensuring long-term benefits for patients, staff, and the wider community”.
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Photo:
Head of Capital Planning, Ben Johnston, with an electric vehicle from NHS Fife’s fleet [DOWNLOAD].
