Reducing Our Carbon Footprint
Our Climate Change Strategy commits us to reduce the emissions from our business while promoting the positive benefits of public transport in combating climate change. The key elements of our UK Rail division strategy are to improve the fuel efficiency of our vehicles and energy efficiency of our properties.
Improving Fuel Efficiency
Actions to improve fuel efficiency are taking place at both operational and engineering level.
- We are currently re-engineering the First Great Western High Speed Train (HST) fleet. Tests show this will reduce the average fuel usage of these vehicles by 15%.
- We aim to maximise the use of shore supply (electric power from the grid) on the trains during stabling and cleaning.
- We will reduce idling and promote use of selected engine running.
- We aim to optimise closing of doors and windows to preserve heat.
- First ScotRail is trialling a EURO III compliant engine on one Class 170 vehicle. Reduced fuel consumption and emissions have been reported.
- We are introducing fuel efficiency training for drivers.
We are also researching software to monitor the fuel efficiency of selected vehicles. This will provide information that can also be used in driver training.
Improving Fuel Efficiency in GB Railfreight
As part of their commitment to reduce environmental impacts, GB Railfreight initiated a fuel efficiency drive. All routes have been assessed to determine the optimum fuel-efficient driving techniques. This information is presented in a Fuel Economy Booklet provided to each train driver. A poster and slogan competition was launched to complement the booklet and create awareness of fuel economy among staff. To date, the programme has improved fuel efficiency by 5%.
Alternative Fuels
Because depots provide fuel to trains managed by many different operators, the Department for Transport has asked the rail industry to develop a common strategy for fuel. Strategy development will be led by the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC), with active involvement from FirstGroup. Test bed and in-service trials are currently being undertaken on three diesel engines to assess the impacts of biodiesel, allowing us to make a decision in 2008 on the feasibility of the roll-out of biodiesel.
Property
The UK Rail division operates from properties owned by Network Rail. Carbon dioxide emissions from our buildings are significantly lower than from our vehicles but are still an important source of reducible emissions. We have achieved an 8% reduction in energy usage over the past three years and will continue to seek further reductions working closely with Network Rail.
Business Travel
Our Travel Policy encourages individuals to consider whether or not they need to travel. Video conferencing is available between our main offices and everyone is encouraged to use these facilities or telephone conferences wherever possible and practicable. All employees are issued with free bus and/or rail travel pass when they join FirstGroup.
We monitor business travel undertaken by rail and air and will use this data to assess changes in patterns of behaviour and to seek ways to influence these. We aim for all our operating companies to have operational green travel plans by 2012.