FCO goes green with electric diplomat cars

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office Embraces Electric Diplomacy

In a significant move towards environmental responsibility, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) is embarking on an ambitious journey to transform its fleet of official vehicles. The objective is clear: to become the "greenest diplomatic service in the world." This initiative involves a substantial replacement of traditional petrol and diesel vehicles with cutting-edge all-electric or hybrid models. This isn't merely a symbolic gesture; it's a strategic effort to drastically reduce the carbon footprint associated with the UK's diplomatic operations globally.

The commitment to a greener future is underscored by the FCO's dedication to meeting government targets. By 2022, the FCO aims to have 25% of its fleet comprised of electric vehicles, with an ultimate goal of achieving an all-electric fleet by 2030. This transition is already underway, with the UK's Embassies in Oslo and Holy See being the first to embrace this new era of sustainable transport. Furthermore, an additional 30 UK posts worldwide are set to receive either an all-electric or hybrid Jaguar I-Pace by April 2020, supported by the installation of fast-charging stations.

A Global Commitment to Sustainability

The replacement of diplomatic vehicles is part of a broader strategy by the FCO to enhance its environmental performance across its global estate. Beyond the fleet, the FCO is actively extending the use of solar energy on its buildings, a move that will further contribute to reducing its carbon emissions. Equally significant is the FCO's commitment to eliminating single-use plastics. This campaign is projected to prevent an astonishing 142,000 items from ending up in landfills annually, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to environmental stewardship.

Sir Simon McDonald, Permanent Under-Secretary at the Foreign Office, articulated the vision behind this transition: "Climate change is the greatest challenge of our time, and our fleet of flag cars is a high-profile tool for demonstrating the UK’s international leadership on climate change diplomacy. I want us to be the greenest diplomatic service in the world. Shifting our vehicles away from petrol to all-electric will help us achieve this." His words highlight the dual purpose of this initiative: environmental responsibility and the projection of UK leadership on the global stage, especially with the UK set to host COP26 in Glasgow in 2020, a pivotal event for international climate action.

Understanding the Environmental Impact

The transportation sector plays a critical role in global emissions, with the International Energy Agency (IEA) estimating that it accounts for 24% of all global CO2 emissions. Recognizing this, the FCO has set ambitious targets for its own emissions. In the 2018-2019 period, the FCO's UK/domestic greenhouse gas emissions were 7,753 tCO2e, a remarkable 60% reduction compared to the 2009-2010 figures, and a testament to their proactive approach to meeting government commitments.

Within this overall reduction, the FCO fleet accounted for 94 tCO2e. While this represents a smaller portion of the total, the strategic decision to electrify the fleet is a significant step towards further minimizing its environmental impact. The initial phase of this rollout will see 30 posts receiving these low-emission vehicles:

The policy is clear: embassies can now only purchase petrol or diesel vehicles as a last resort, and only in locations where electric or hybrid alternatives are not serviceable or readily available. This stringent approach ensures that the transition to low-carbon transport is prioritized.

Diplomatic Vehicle Acquisition and Registration

For those involved in diplomatic missions, the acquisition of vehicles for official use is governed by specific programmes. The FCO, in partnership with entities like A. M. Capurro, offers a Diplomatic Programme that provides qualifying individuals and missions with access to global vehicle specifications, worldwide delivery, and exclusive diplomatic pricing. To be eligible, individuals must be diplomats representing their country abroad or diplomatic missions purchasing vehicles for official use. Certain other organizations also qualify for these services.

The registration of diplomatic vehicles in the UK also follows a distinct system. Since 1979, vehicles operated by foreign embassies, high commissions, consulates, and international organisations have been issued unique registration marks. These typically feature a format of three numbers, followed by a space, the letter 'D' (for diplomats) or 'X' (for non-diplomatic accredited personnel), another space, and then three more numbers. The initial three numbers identify the country or organisation, while the subsequent three numbers form a serial sequence. Diplomatic personnel must be accredited by the FCO, which then liaises with the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) for the issuance of these special plates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will all FCO diplomats' cars be replaced?

The FCO is replacing a significant portion of its official fleet with electric or hybrid models as part of a long-term strategy to reduce emissions. The goal is to have an all-electric fleet by 2030.

Which vehicles are being introduced?

The initial rollout includes the all-electric or hybrid Jaguar I-Pace. Future procurements will likely focus on similar low-emission vehicles.

What are the FCO's targets for electric vehicles?

The FCO aims to have 25% of its fleet electric by 2022 and an all-electric fleet by 2030.

Are honorary consuls eligible for diplomatic vehicle registrations?

No, under UK law, honorary consuls are not entitled to diplomatic vehicle registrations or driving permits.

What is the FCO doing to reduce its environmental impact besides vehicle replacement?

The FCO is also extending the use of solar energy on its buildings and eliminating single-use plastics across its global estate, aiming to save 142,000 plastic items from landfills annually.

The FCO's commitment to transitioning its diplomatic fleet to low-carbon alternatives signifies a powerful statement about the UK's dedication to tackling climate change. By embracing electric and hybrid technology, the FCO is not only reducing its environmental impact but also demonstrating global leadership in sustainable practices within the diplomatic sphere.

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