THE Australian Education Union Tasmanian branch is leading the way to net zero carbon emissions, with the rollout of a new electric vehicle fleet powered by the organisation’s own renewable energy source. 

A charging station has been installed at the AEU’s Hobart office, allowing the union’s three new EVs to be powered by 100% renewable energy via recently installed office solar panels. 

Since introducing its three new electric cars earlier this year, the union has saved about 20,000km worth of CO2 emissions. 

Branch President David Genford said the AEU was proud to be a frontrunner in helping drive down Tasmania’s carbon footprint. 

“As educators, our primary concern is our students, and the AEU wholly recognises the climate emergency threatening the living standards of our current and future students,” he said. 

“Our organisation is constantly watchful of how we can best manage our day-to-day operations to minimise our environmental impact. Adopting an EV fleet and installing office solar panels is central to this.” 

Mr Genford said the AEU’s new electric cars – first proposed for the union by former branch president Helen Richardson – were all bought from local dealerships. 

AEU Member Support Officer Mitch Wilkinson said there had been a strong community response to the AEU-labelled vehicles. 

“The cars can travel up to 300km on a full charge so, being a statewide organisation, it’s good to be able to get around the state with ease,” he said. 

“AEU members have praised the EV rollout, and we’ve seen some public chatter on social media commending the move.”