Stagecoach re-certified for carbon savings

Having already achieved a 5.7% improvement in carbon efficiency in the three years to April 2009, the firm, which operates the Megabus brand and South West trains among others, launched a five-year plan called ‘Revolution in the Way We Travel‘ in 2010.

The group has set itself the target of reducing carbon emissions from its transport operations by 3% and its emissions from buildings by 8% in the UK and US by April 2014. The scheme is backed by an £11m investment programme.

The first two years of the scheme have resulted in the 5.6% reduction through a variety of measures and initiatives. These include an increased number of vehicles running on biofuels and a new eco-driving system which is expected to reduce fuel consumption by 4% across Stagecoach’s bus operations. The scheme also allows employees to earn ‘green points’ and convert them into financial benefits from a £900k fund.

The group is also making energy management improvements including intelligent lighting systems at bus depots and railway stations throughout the UK and an energy-saving engine standby system to reduce emissions from idling trains.

Stagecoach chief executive Sir Brian Souter said: “”We believe in growing our business sustainably. Cutting carbon and using energy more efficiently has been at the heart of our business strategy for many years. It makes good business sense and helps keep prices down for our customers.

“Our employees and local eco-teams across our business can be proud of their hard work. As well as helping protect the environment in our local communities, we are offering smarter and better-value bus and rail travel. We will continue to work hard to achieve the stretching carbon reduction targets we have set ourselves for the years ahead.”

Stagecoach is only the second public transport group to be re-certified for the Carbon Trust Standard.

Will Parsons