UAE-based Farnek, a leading total facilities management (FM) company, has bought its first electric car from Renault as it continues to strive for a more sustainable way of operating its business, especially its growing transportation fleet, currently comprising over 200 vehicles.

Renault’s ZOE electric model will help Farnek to reduce its carbon footprint by saving 17 tonnes (78 per cent) of carbon emissions annually, compared with any of the existing saloon cars in its fleet, that travel approximately 72,000 km per year, said a statement from the company.

In Europe, Renault is a leader in the field of electric mobility with one out of every four EVs sold being a Renault. Globally, one out of every two EV models sold comes out of a Renault-Nissan Alliance factory. Renault is also the only car manufacturer to offer a full range of electric vehicles, with the Twizy (quadricyle), ZOE (hatch), Fluence (sedan) and Kangoo (Utility Van).     
                   
Markus Oberlin, CEO, Farnek, said: “It is part of our strategy to have a more energy efficient fleet in line with the UAE government’s recommendation to ensure that 10 per cent of our transportation fleet is electric by 2030.”

“We also wanted to show leadership within the FM sector and inspire other organisations to do the same,” he said.

It is easy to understand why Farnek chose the ZOE model. ZOE, the flagship of Renault’s (Zero Emissions in use) vehicle range, is an all-electric, multi-award winning, five-door supermini.

With the new Z.E.40 battery, ZOE’s range is 400 KM (NEDC) – Renault estimates that in real-world driving conditions this equates to around 300 km. ZOE can charge from zero to 80 per cent full in as little as 60 minutes thanks to its patented Chameleon Charger that allows it to make the most of the widest range of power supplies and also keep charging times to a minimum.

Renault’s Range OptimiZer technology ensures ZOE is highly efficient with its heat pump, a bi-modal braking system and Michelin ENERGY E-V tyres all as standard.

Marwan Haidamous, managing director, Renault Middle East, said: “This is a key milestone in the story of electric vehicles in the region. Electric vehicles are forming an ever-greater proportion of transport fleets around the Middle East as organisations aim to reduce their carbon footprints and we are pleased that our products can play a central role in this development.”

“ZOE is a real symbol of our commitment to the electric revolution and since its launch has always excelled at providing motorists with a stylish, comfortable and practical electric car at an affordable price. The 2017 ZOE with the Z.E.40 battery, builds on this success and now delivers the longest range of any mainstream electric vehicle,” he said.

Farnek was the first organisation in the GCC to introduce carbon neutral buses in 2010, for which Farnek now offsets 88 tonnes of carbon emissions every year at a cost of almost $3,000 annually, said a statement.

Over the past two years the company has also reduced the amount of carbon emissions per employee transported by almost half (44 per cent) reaching 118 kilos for each member of staff transported, it said.

This latest move by Farnek will strengthen its sustainable credentials further still. Through its dedicated consultancy division, it always pushed industry boundaries. Most recently it was officially accredited as an approved Energy Services Company (ESCO) by Dubai’s Regulatory Supervisory Bureau (RSB).

The scheme was set up to give building owners, developers and managers added confidence when contracting ESCOs. Now they can be secure in the knowledge that the accredited companies have the necessary qualified management and staff and are on a sound financial footing. And in addition, specific to Farnek’s case, a successful track record of consulting on many energy saving projects throughout Dubai and the wider UAE.

Sandrine Le Biavant, director of consultancy, Farnek, said: “The decision to approve our company was made by an accreditation board which assessed us according to set criteria, such as experience, capabilities, financial strength, HSE and equipment.”

“We want to help create and support, more cost-effective buildings and a healthier environment,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service