Southern Water has replaced a third of its fleet - more than 345 vehicles – and has integrated a number of sustainable technologies developed by Bri-Stor Systems and HEX Graphics.

The latest vehicles feature roof-mounted solar panels, which are connected to a high-power lithium battery. They are designed to reduce the use of the engine when charging key power tools and onboard equipment. This almost completely eliminates the need for engine idling, drastically reducing the CO2 emissions and fuel consumption associated with the vehicle.

Martin Lock, Fleet Manager at Southern Water said: "Small adjustments make a big difference. Working closely with our partners Bri-Stor Systems and HEX Graphics is invaluable and we have been able to make significant CO2 reductions, without impacting the quality or practicality of our vehicles. Not only do our partners have a real understanding of the challenges facing fleet operators, they understand the complexities of the build.”

The vehicle livery, designed and fitted by HEX Graphics, is made entirely from certified carbon-neutral materials. The vinyl solution, called Vinyl360, is also completely recyclable, with both the PVC and associated backing paper being compacted and sent to specialist recycling centres in the UK.

Here, the waste can be transformed into useful secondary-life products, further adding to the sustainability of the vehicles.

Martin continues, “Our fleet of around 1,000 vehicles is a big part of our operation and helps us to service customers across Kent, Hampshire, Sussex and the Isle of Wight. Southern Water is one the UK's largest water suppliers, with 2.7 million drinking water customers and 4.7 wastewater customers. We also recognise that this has an impact and are actively working with our partners to develop solutions to deliver a more sustainable fleet.”

Sam Welton, Key Account Manager at Bri-Stor Systems added: "One of our core goals with both Bri-Stor Systems and HEX Graphics is to deliver problem-solving solutions. Sustainability is undeniably playing a more active role in fleets and this ground-breaking build with Southern Water is the perfect example of what can happen when both parties work together.”

“This is just the beginning of this partnership, and we look forward to continuing to support Southern Water with innovative fleet solutions long into the future.”