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Case Study – Costain Enters three-year Partnership For EV Workplace Charging

Costain required a partner who could provide and install EV charging infrastructure across all its UK offices to power its 3,000-strong fleet.

costain workplace ev charging

With a history stretching back to 1865, Costain is a UK business that aims to improve people’s lives. The company delivers integrated, digitally optimised smart infrastructure solutions to meet national needs across energy, water, transportation and defence. Some of its most iconic projects include High Speed 2 and the East section of the tunnel for the Thames Tideway Project. The company is also advising the South Wales industrial cluster on the infrastructure required for the development of a hydrogen economy for large-scale carbon (CO2) capture, usage and storage (CCUS) and transport.

 

The brief

Costain has committed to creating a greener future. As well as aiming to deliver low-carbon solutions to all its clients by 2023, Costain has joined the EV100 Climate Group. As part of this, Costain has pledged to switch its own fleet to electric vehicles (EVs) to be net zero by 2035 at the latest.

In spring 2021, Costain set out to find a partner who could provide EV charging infrastructure to power its 3,000-strong fleet. As well as needing future-proofed charge points to keep their fleet on the move now and in years to come, Costain wanted to work with a supplier who would provide them with a single back-office platform to manage their charge points across their multiple offices. They were also looking for a supplier of Open Charge Point Protocol (OCCP) equipment to provide them with flexibility in the future. This means that their charging network can communicate with other management systems.

 

The solution: Straightforward EV charging from Mer

To create a tailored plan which delivered exactly what Costain needed, Mer (formerly Elmtronics) worked closely with Costain’s dedicated transport, energy and EV team to carry out a survey and feasibility study at each site.

First, installation began at Costain’s head office in Maidenhead. This saw the installation of 12 EV charge points and groundworks to allow for more charge points to be added in the future – in keeping with Costain’s ‘dig once’ policy. This initial stage is part of a multi-stage roll-out and was followed by Costain’s Manchester site, where six charge points were installed for use by both staff and visitors.

costain workplace ev charging

Over the next three years, charging infrastructure will be installed across all Costain’s UK offices. This network will support the growing use of EVs by staff, clients, supply chain and partners.

The back office software connects all the charge points under one network. Costain can easily create user accounts for staff and monitor how much C02 is being saved. Staff can use an app to access not only Costain’s own charge points, but also a network of other compatible charge points nationwide.

“The team worked closely with us throughout the procurement process to develop the charging solution that Costain was looking for. Their collaborative approach gives me confidence that the relationship will continue to develop and that they will be key to helping us achieve our target for a net zero company car fleet by 2030, as part of our Climate Change Action Plan”

Mark Ashenden, Head of Supply Chain: Fleet and Plant at Costain 

“Costain needed future-proofed charge points to keep their fleet on the move now and in years to comeThey also wanted a supplier who could provide an easy-to use back office to manage the EV network across all sites. We’re delighted to be named as Costain’s chosen workplace charge point supplier. We’re looking forward to supporting the team to understand the most appropriate infrastructure for their sites right across the UK.”

Natasha Fry, Mer UK Head of Strategic Partnerships – fleet and workplace charging

Elmtronics became part of the Mer group from April 2022. The move will further strengthen Mer UK’s offering in the UK to provide workplace, fleet, public and home charging solutions.

For further details on how Mer can help with fleet or workplace charging, get in touch today. 

Contact the company on 03300 562 562, or email [email protected]. 

Mer’s mission is to make sustainable electric mobility easy and accessible to everyone.

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