Uniting Church and Origin Energy roll out 42 EV chargers at aged care sites

Uniting Church and Origin Energy roll out 42 EV chargers at aged care sites

Uniting Church has teamed up with Origin Energy to expand electric vehicle (EV) charging across its aged care sites. The project will see 42 new chargers installed at 21 facilities in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. Installation is set to begin at the end of May, marking another step in the organisation’s push for sustainability. The new chargers will serve both staff and residents, making EV charging more accessible. Michael Mathias, Uniting’s environmental sustainability manager for NSW and ACT, noted that the rollout would ease concerns for EV owners worried about finding charging points.

Uniting has already made progress in cutting emissions, with 12 electric vehicles added to its fleet and 30 charging stations in place. The organisation now plans to electrify its entire vehicle fleet over time. Transport remains a major part of its environmental impact, with 909 kilolitres of fuel used in 2024 alone.

To help employees transition, Uniting and Origin will host an 'EV roadshow' to answer questions about electric vehicles. The chargers form part of a wider effort to slash carbon emissions from buildings, energy use, and operations. Uniting aims to reach carbon neutrality by 2040. The installation of 42 chargers will support Uniting’s long-term sustainability targets. Staff and residents will gain easier access to EV charging, while the organisation moves closer to its 2040 carbon-neutral goal. The partnership with Origin Energy also includes education initiatives to encourage wider EV adoption.