Environmental Management at our Depot
Our depots are used for maintaining, fuelling and washing our vehicles and therefore carry inherent incident and spillage risks. We train staff in fuelling, fuel delivery and spill response and central spill reporting procedures allow us to track any spills and apply lessons learnt. We have had a number of minor incidents this year, most of which have been contained on-site. In instances where there has been a potential off-site risk we have actively liaised with the Environment Agency or Scottish Environment Protection Agency. For the fifth successive year we have not been prosecuted for any environmental incidents.
Our depots are working to increase efficiency and reduce environmental impact by reducing water and energy usage and improving waste management.
Water, electricity and gas usage is monitored at all depots in First Great Western and First ScotRail. Hull Trains, GB Railfreight and First TransPennine Express sub-contract maintenance services to third parties and their data is not included.
This year we have also started to monitor utilities usage at a number of our key stations in First ScotRail and First TransPennine Express.
Water and Energy Usage
Our water and energy consumption has increased during the last 12 months due to the addition of new franchises and extensions to a number of our depots. The extensions require heating and lighting, and the construction works will have contributed to short-term increases in utilities consumption. Energy data normalised to building area indicates that gas usage has decreased by a small amount while electricity consumption had risen slightly. We have achieved a 35 m3 reduction in the water used per vehicle. Over the past three years we have cut energy use by 8%.
We will continue to pursue energy reduction in tandem with the Carbon Trust Energy Accreditation Scheme. Energy Champions have been appointed to raise awareness and encourage energy efficiency at their locations.
