The UK’s largest broadband operator is partnering with Google Cloud to deliver massive CO2e savings across its 24,000 vehicles.
By deploying the US tech giant’s advanced AI, data science technologies and geoanalytics, Openreach is optimising its commercial van fleet and has already begun to realise significant emissions and cost savings.
Improving its operational oversight and understandings of both the challenges and opportunities currently on the table, the company has now announced next steps. These include accelerating the transition to electric vehicles, removing around 10,000 tonnes of CO2e from the roads each year.
By being able to pinpoint root causes of idling and unnecessary travel, journeys can be rerouted or combined to service multiple customers, reducing fuel consumption. This is particularly impactful when moving through clean air zones.
Better data also means less vehicle-off-road time, with AI helping streamline and prioritise repairs and maintenance to ensure vans are kept in service for the maximum amount of time. This includes being proactive about fleet health, identifying potential faults before they occur to make things safer and more reliable.
‘As the builder of the UK’s largest broadband network and operator of the country’s second largest commercial vehicle fleet, we take our responsibilities seriously,’ said James Tappenden, managing director, fibre first & shared services at Openreach.
‘By applying Google Cloud’s technologies to real operational challenges, we’re seeing practical, measurable benefits — from connecting more families to gigabit broadband faster, to cutting vehicle emissions across our workforce,’ he continued. ‘This partnership is helping us work smarter, move quicker, and build a more sustainable network for the UK.’
Openreach has also developed a complete digital twin of the UK’s transportation corridors, incorporating data from 35 million homes and business with national road, rail, and water transit networks. Existing broadband infrastructure is also included, making it much easier to identify where full fibre connections can be established next and the rollout more efficient.
‘By harnessing the power of AI, and empowering its engineering teams with Gemini Enterprise, Openreach isn’t just visualising data; it is using it to make real-world changes that benefit the British public and the environment,’ said Maureen Costello, Vice President, UKI and SSA, Google Cloud. ‘We are proud to support Openreach’s journey toward a more connected and sustainable future.’
Image: Mika Baumeister / Unsplash
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