Hampshire's Co-op Funeralcare invests in electric vehicles

Co-op Funeralcare, with branches in Southampton, Chandler's Ford and Hedge End, has injected £327,970 into a greener send-off for the region.

The move is encompassed by Co-op’s goal to be net-zero throughout the entire operation by 2040, as mentioned in its latest Climate Plan.

From now, the three environmentally friendly vehicles are being used across local care centres.

These vehicles are equipped with electric charging points and each offers an average CO2 reduction of a tonne and a half when driven, compared to earlier hybrid models.

This introduction forms part of a £9m nationwide venture from Co-op Funeralcare, succeeding last year’s confirmation of a pursuit for sustainable funeral selections in the UK.

They introduced a novel choice dubbed Resomation®, the first departure from traditional burial or cremation since 1902.

Arriving months from the announcement of the initial trial, Co-op Funeralcare aims to affirm Resomation as a more ecologically friendly option, superior to gas cremation.

Mike Pengelly, head of south client operations at Co-op Funeralcare, said: "Funerals are changing, and we know how important it is to our member owners and clients that we explore more sustainable options and elements of the service for when they come to us to arrange their loved one’s funeral.

"Using electric vehicles is one of the ways we can help realise this, which is why we’re thrilled to be able to offer families more choice in how they celebrate the lives of their loved ones, as well as those planning their own funeral.

"This is also a significant investment for us, and a key step in our ambition to replace our full fleet of vehicles with fully electric alternatives by 2035, alongside our priority to be net zero across our entire business by 2040.

"We’re pleased to be expanding our fleet with the addition of our brand new all-electric vehicles, and we hope to be able to roll them out across the whole nation very soon."