TOP 5 SUSTAINABLE SERVICE BODY SOLUTIONS
Fleet managers are under mounting pressure to reduce emissions and demonstrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) accountability. In fact, these days sustainability is a core business objective, not an optional extra.
While much of the focus is on vehicle choice and fuel efficiency, there’s a critical piece of the sustainability puzzle that’s often overlooked — the service body.
Light commercial vehicles are the workhorses of Australia’s essential services, from utilities and local government to infrastructure and trades. Utes have overtaken vans as the vehicle of choice for Australian mobile fleets because vans simply can’t compete with a custom-built service body for organisational flexibility, access to equipment and safe manual handling for mobile workforces.
While service bodies enhance productivity and offer unbeatable storage options, can they also be an environmentally sustainable solution?
Of course they can, here’s how.
1. Lightweight Construction Equals Lower Emissions
The materials, design and manufacturing approach of service bodies can have a significant impact on the overall sustainability of a fleet.
One of the clearest sustainability wins comes from weight reduction. Modern service bodies made from aluminium are significantly lighter than their steel counterparts. This translates to a direct reduction in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions over the lifetime of the vehicle.
Lighter builds also help fleets stay within the limits of Australia’s new ADR 81 regulations, which mandate the disclosure of fuel consumption and emissions data. Reducing vehicle tare weight increases available payload, meaning fewer trips are needed—further improving efficiency.
2. Choose Modular Design for Maximum Lifespan
Sustainable service body design goes beyond weight. A modular approach—where bodies are designed for removability and transferability—enables interior setups to be reconfigured as your needs change and service bodies to be reused across multiple vehicle lifecycles.
Rather than scrapping an entire fitout when a lease ends, modular systems can be unbolted, refurbished and remounted on a new similar-sized chassis. Hidrive service bodies often outlast two or three utes which gives customers unrivalled long-term value for money and sustainability dividends.
3. Renewable Power Integration
Many service body manufacturers now offer integration with renewable energy sources such as solar. Roof-mounted solar panels can help power onboard equipment and lighting, reducing idling time and bolstering the life of dual battery systems. For trades and government services working in remote and off-grid environments, this is a game changer—delivering clean power that lasts longer and reduces generator reliance.
4. Local Manufacturing Matters
Fleet sustainability isn’t just about what you drive, but also where and how it’s made. Choosing Australian-made service bodies lowers emissions associated with overseas shipping and allows fleet managers to source with confidence—knowing the product meets our strict Australian safety and environmental standards.
Local production also offers tighter quality control, faster turnaround times and support for the circular economy through partnerships with local recycling, repair and parts suppliers.
5. Partner with Manufacturers Who Are Transparent About Sustainable Delivery
For fleet managers looking for ways to decarbonise and improve their sustainability credentials, going under the hood of your service body supplier is an important part of the mix.
Partnering with a manufacturer that prioritises lightweight materials, efficient design, local production and renewable integration is a smart strategy.
Fleet and asset managers know that ESG performance is increasingly tied to procurement decisions, compliance obligations, and reputation.
Investing in sustainable fleet solutions—like lighter, reusable service bodies—can help contribute to your ESG goals.
Sustainable service body design and manufacture reduces environmental impacts, improves vehicle efficiency, extends fleet life and drives down the total cost of ownership.
Want to learn more? Explore fitout solutions and case studies and speak to our team of Mobile Workspace Specialists on 1300 368 161.
