CMS reduces carbon footprint further with latest electric van investment

29 Jan 2020

CMS Window Systems‘ new 100% electric vehicle fleet and investment in its electric vehicle infrastructure has been welcomed by Scotland’s Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills, Jamie Hepburn MSP.

The company, which is Scotland’s largest designer, manufacturer and installer of PVCu and aluminium windows, doors and curtain walling, has taken delivery of a fully branded Nissan e-NV200 van, following the successful trial of its first electric vehicle over the last 18 months.

With a range of up to 187 miles on a single charge, these vans are ideal for serving CMS customers in the areas within close proximity to its main Castlecary factory and HQ near Glasgow, giving ample scope for emissions-free site deliveries throughout the working day.

In addition to the vans currently in service, CMS is looking at how longer range and larger vans could be added to its fleet as the technology rapidly evolves. CMS has also added further plug-in charging points at Castlecary, bringing the total to four, with charging facilities also soon to be installed at its East Kilbride and Kirkcaldy sites. This charging infrastructure will also support the growing numbers of visitors to its sites who travel using electric vehicles.

The move by CMS to make its fleet operations ‘greener’ is an important part of its long-term sustainability strategy, which enables the company to be continuously reducing its carbon emissions while working towards net zero carbon by 2045.

Its significant sustainability achievements to date were recently recognised in two major industry awards programmes, with CMS winning both the G19 Award for ‘Sustainability Initiative of the Year’ and the Best of VIBES Award, which recognises the long term contribution that the company has made to Scotland’s environmental goals for business.

Speaking on a recent visit, Jamie Hepburn MSP, who is also the local member of parliament for Cumbernauld, comments: “It’s great to see CMS Window Systems continuing to grow and invest locally, including in this fleet of electric vehicles. This will let them significantly cut their transport-related carbon emissions. It is a welcome example of a local company looking to the future and being pro-active in transitioning towards a carbon-neutral society. I would hope other local companies would recognise the advantages of moving to electric vehicles for commercial purposes and that they look to follow CMS’s lead.”

In addition to environmental sustainability, CMS Window Systems has social sustainability at the core of its business, supporting numerous local charities and providing industry-leading levels of apprenticeships to deliver valuable career opportunities for young people in particular.