Industry Footprint

The quickest, simplest and most cost effective way to reduce CO₂ emissions from transport is by encouraging people to reduce their car use. The One Billion Challenge sets out to achieve a reduction of 2 million tonnes of CO₂ by taking one billion car journeys off UK roads over the next three years (2011-2014). 

In addition to the obvious environmental benefits that come with travelling by bus or coach, the industry continues to work to further reduce its own carbon emissions.  The text below looks at just how seriously the UK’s major bus and coach operators take their corporate and social responsibilities.

Arriva

In 2008 Arriva set itself a challenge of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions footprint by 15 per cent, like-for-like, from the 2006 level, by 2012.

“Our aim is for well planned and well run public transport networks to create a virtuous circle. If more people are encouraged to use buses and coaches, reduced congestion on our roads can in turn help the smooth operation of public transport, thereby improving its attractiveness. A beneficial by-product of reduced congestion is the more efficient use of fuel and reduced emissions”, said Arriva Chief Executive, David Martin.

Alongside efforts to minimise the environmental impact of operations, Arriva is working to increase general awareness of the environmental credentials of public transport and encourage its use. This growing awareness was illustrated in a 2008 survey of almost 20,000 bus passengers in the UK, where 42 per cent of respondents said they had changed their travel patterns to use the bus more. Of those, 61 per cent cited environmental considerations as the sole or a contributory reason for doing so.

Given the finite and diminishing reserves of fossil oil, Arriva has a keen interest in vehicle propulsion systems which may power buses in a post-diesel age. For instance, in places with abundant renewable electric power from hydroelectric schemes, geothermal wind or wave power, electric propulsion will be high on the agenda. While the technology and economics of diesel / electric hybrid propulsion are yet to be fully proven, Arriva has been active in trials of the first hybrid double decker in London. This prototype has covered 10,000 miles providing a valuable learning ground for the technology. Five second generation series hybrid vehicles which followed began service with Arriva London in February 2009.

The way buses are driven has a big impact on fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.
Over the last 18 months Arriva has developed a bespoke system known as Eco-manager which, combined with driver training, is helping drivers to improve fuel efficiency. The system includes a real time display to prompt the driving techniques covered in the training. The system’s ‘black box’ produces detailed reports enabling comparison between different vehicles on the same route, different driving styles in the same vehicle and a particular vehicle type’s performance on different routes.

FirstGroup

FirstGroup unveiled its comprehensive climate change strategy in May 2007. It outlines ambitious plans to reduce the CO₂ emissions it generates by 25% throughout its UK bus operations by 2020. The Group’s medium-term carbon reduction targets are based on continued reliance on current technologies and fuel efficiency optimisation methods. The longer-term targets depend on significant developments in engine technology which are currently unavailable.

The Group achieved carbon savings in their UK Bus division by introducing 5% biodiesel and cutting energy usage in buildings. They have also achieved a 0.7% improvement in fuel efficiency following the introduction of a range of comprehensive measures:

• Work with fuel suppliers to optimise fuel quality
• Trialling fuel additives
• Improving fuel management procedures
• Reducing idling with automatic engine shut-off on newer vehicles
• Identifying underperforming vehicles
• Driver training

FirstGroup remain committed to an 8% improvement in fuel efficiency by 2012.

As part of service planning FirstGroup seeks to optimise the fuel efficiency of our routes by matching the bus size to the number of passengers. They match capacity and demand on routes by altering frequencies to ensure that we do not over or under provide as the market conditions change.

Moir Lockhead, Chief Executive of FirstGroup plc said: “Reducing carbon footprints should be a key strategic aim for every organisation. We have a collective responsibility to leave the planet in as good a shape as is possible for future generations.

“Public transport offers a real opportunity to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions and we are doing our utmost to encourage motorists to consider public transport as a safe, sustainable, reliable and cost effective alternative to the car.

“In order to meet the targets First will improve the fuel efficiency of existing vehicles, seek to purchase more efficient vehicles, use alternative fuels and make operational improvements through driver training and in-cab technology.”

Go-Ahead Group

As one of the UK’s largest public transport providers, Go-Ahead plays a significant role in building thriving and sustainable towns and cities. Their services also support efforts to reduce pollution and congestion in our communities and to encourage social inclusion. Go-Ahead has a distinctive approach to corporate responsibility. They are committed to playing a key part in delivering solutions aimed at tackling climate change.

“Go-Ahead invests in leading technology to reduce the emissions of buses, but our most important contribution is to provide high quality services in an environmentally responsible way, and therefore to encourage people to make a positive choice for public transport.

“Convincing car users that public transport is a viable and convenient alternative is a must if we are serious about contributing to carbon reduction” said Go-Ahead Group Chief Executive Keith Ludeman.

• Go-Ahead became the first UK transport operator to be awarded the Carbon Trust Standard in recognition of work to reduce carbon emissions.
• The Group achieved a 16% reduction in site energy as a result of the commitment of our employees and new energy efficient lighting systems.
• Across bus operations they have made significant investments in efficiency monitoring technology and training schemes. T his has resulted in fuel efficiency improvements of around 5%.
• Around 75% of Go-Ahead’s site electricity is generated from renewable sources including hydro-power, wind-power and biomass fuels.
• For the third year in a row Go-Ahead achieved a gold rating in Business in the Community’s (BITC) Responsibility Index – the highest rating amongst comparable participating public transport operators.

National Express

The objective of National Express’ corporate responsibility is simple: Improve the world we live in. There are many positive benefits generated by increased use of bus and coach services – both for society and the environment – and National Express firmly believes that this can be achieved by further growth of operations.

“In the medium term this may mean us generating more CO₂ – if that contributes to a wider reduction overall.  By doing more, we’ll produce less of the things our society doesn’t want” said Dean Finch, National Express’ Group Chief Executive.

“A key part of current transport policy is focused on improving car efficiency. Whilst this is critical, it’s not the answer to reducing CO₂ from transport.  As demand for travel continues, massive improvements are needed just to stand still. Real reductions will only come from reducing travel or using lower carbon forms of transport.”

Benefits include:

• Less CO₂ and pollution
  A key part of current transport policy is focused on improving car efficiency. Whilst this is critical, it’s not the answer to reducing CO₂ from transport. As demand for travel continues, massive improvements are needed just to stand still. Real reductions will only come from reducing travel or using lower carbon forms of transport.
• Less risk of accidents
  Compared with travelling by car, you’re at least ten times safer on public transport. Customer safety is a key priority.
• Less congestion
  Britain can’t keep building and widening roads to cut congestion. There isn’t room and our countryside needs protecting. A full coach removes a mile of traffic from the roads.
• Less time-wasting
  Spending time sitting in traffic is wasteful. Customers should be able to enjoy more productive time while travelling.
• Less exclusion
  Not everyone has a car. Not everyone wants new dual carriageways cutting through their community, separating their homes from nearby amenities.

Stagecoach

Helping people lead greener lifestyles and being a more sustainable community partner is central to Stagecoach Group’s business. Greener, smarter travel on buses and coaches is a key part of the solution to climate change, as well as helping to protect our future energy security.

Stagecoach published its first environmental strategy in 2000 and has driven down its carbon emissions over the past decade through a package of measures. It has included investing in a state-of-the-art vehicles, testing alternative, renewable fuels, training employees in more efficient driving techniques, saving energy at offices and depots, conserving and recycling water, reducing and recycling waste, and cutting business travel.

The company was awarded the prestigious Carbon Trust Standard in 2010 - one of only two listed UK public transport operators to have achieved the stretching carbon reduction benchmark - and has also launched a new sustainability strategy.

Revolution in the Way We Travel is the Group’s five-year £11 million programme to make a further 8% cut in buildings CO₂ emissions and a reduction of 3% in annual fleet transport CO₂ emissions. It is expected to result in a saving of nearly 150,000 tonnesof CO₂ by April 2014.

“Government businesses and local communities all need to work together to help tackle climate change. New technology will take us so far, but we also need to change the way we live.

“High-quality, value-for-money bus travel offers a flexible, low-cost and low-carbon solution that can make a difference quickly. With the right support, buses can connect our communities, support our economy and help protect our environment.”