Climate Change

Climate change has become one of the most pressing issues of our generation. As a public transport operator we have an important role to play in supporting the reduction of emissions from the surface transport sector.

Key Developments in 2007/08

• In the UK Bus division our carbon dioxide emissions have reduced by 42,658 tonnes since 2005/06.
• The average fuel efficiency of our rail passenger services improved by 1.3% this year.
• 10% reduction in emissions per passenger kilometre in our UK Rail division since 2005/06.
• Monitoring equipment (the first of its kind in the UK) introduced to the First Capital Connect electric fleet checking use of traction energy. The transport sector currently estimates this usage, giving no incentive for reduction.
• The introduction of fuel consumption displays for drivers in First TransPennine Express as part of their fuel saving programme.
• Commenced roll-out of a new monitoring system across our UK Bus fleet to monitor fuel usage vehicle-by-vehicle. This will be a powerful tool in working with manufacturers and drivers to improve fuel efficiency.
• Fuel efficiency training introduced for drivers in both our UK Bus and UK Rail divisions.

Carbon dioxide emissions per passenger kilometre from trains and buses are respectively 56% and 30% less than those from cars. We estimate that in the UK alone our operations contribute to savings in carbon dioxide emissions of over one million tonnes compared to if the equivalent journeys were taken by car.

Over 95% of our carbon emissions are associated with the operation of our vehicles. In recent years vehicles have become less fuel-efficient as they have become heavier and incorporate more abatement equipment to reduce other emissions such as particulates. Reversing this trend is a key challenge for us.

In 2007 we published a Climate Change Strategy setting out how we intend to reduce our carbon emissions. This commits us to reducing the carbon dioxide emissions from our UK Bus division by 25% and UK Rail division by 20% by 2020, compared to 2006 levels. In North America we have not yet set specific reduction targets but are committed to doing so as part of our three-year environmental plan.

Our 2007/08 reduction target has been achieved in UK Bus due to a reduction in energy usage in our buildings, reduced fuel usage and the introduction of 5% biodiesel. Improving fuel efficiency will be our focus going forward and we are working with our vehicle suppliers to achieve this.

In the UK Rail division investment in more powerful trains and growth in our rail freight business has contributed to an overall increase in our carbon dioxide emissions. However, this investment has supported our success in achieving significant passenger growth and our carbon dioxide emissions per passenger kilometre have reduced by 10% since 2005/06. Period by period monitoring data is showing gradual fuel efficiency improvements with a 1.3% improvement in the past year. Despite not reaching our 5% reduction target this year we continue to work towards our long-term reduction targets and remain confident they can be achieved.

Our overall Group emissions have increased due to increases in fuel usage in UK Rail as described above and North America. We are looking to identify ways in which we can monitor and measure performance in North America which takes account of the contract-based business model.

Sub Navigation