Greater Glasgow

Bus company urges Glasgow and the west to think green

The city's biggest bus operator, First in Glasgow, is urging its 3,000 staff and millions of passengers to think green today (5 June), which is World Environment Day " the United Nations' flagship environmental event celebrated in more than 100 countries worldwide.

Through the company's internal and external websites and publications, First in Glasgow is encouraging everyone to 'Cut a Kilo of CO2' on World Environment Day. Carbon dioxide emissions from trains and buses are respectively 53% and 47% lower per passenger kilometre than those from cars, so leaving the car at home is a key message in First's campaign.

Travelling around 10.5 miles by bus instead of by car saves 1 kg of CO2, almost the equivalent of a single journey between Glasgow city centre and East Kilbride.

Ronnie Park, Deputy Managing Director of First in Glasgow, said: "World Environment Day is a fantastic opportunity for those who normally drive to seriously consider public transport, cycling or walking.

"At First, we see ourselves as part of the solution to the climate change problem. By providing a safe, reliable and cost effective alternative to the car, we hope to encourage even more people to travel on our buses. I hope that people will use the messages from World Environment Day not just to try to 'Cut out a Kilo of CO2' but will also consider long term alternatives to the car."

First in Glasgow has a range of measures designed to ensure its buses operate more efficiently including encouraging its drivers to drive more efficiently and reduce unnecessary idling. Combined with investment in new vehicles " such as the environmentally-friendly Enviro 200 and 500 models, which feature the latest tier of diesel engines and produce significantly less emissions than their predecessors " First also uses ultra-low sulphur diesel, which has a 5% biodiesel content. The company also makes sure its vehicles are well-maintained and have rigorous procedures for checking emissions over a regular cycle. First in Glasgow also holds ISO 14001 accreditation (the Environmental Management Standard), which underlines its commitment to the environment.

"Buses are part of the solution to environmental concerns", continued Mr Park, "offering a viable alternative to the private car, and we are proud to play our part in that."

First is also publishing useful energy-saving tips for office staff, including:
- using recycled paper as opposed to regular paper for printing and copying;
switching off computer monitors at lunchtime;
- switching off the lights in rooms not being used; and
- turning down the office thermostat by just 0.5ºC.

Through the companys internal campaign 'Small Changes Big Difference', First in Glasgow has been raising awareness of climate change among employees for some time. The campaign highlights that a few small changes to individual behaviour can make a big difference to the companys carbon footprint.

In 2007, parent company, FirstGroup, published its industry-leading Climate Change Strategy which set out ambitious targets to reduce emissions from its UK Bus Division by 25% and Rail Division by 20% by 2020. And, in the last year, FirstGroup can point to a number of environmental achievements which will help meet those targets:
- First has achieved a 3% reduction in energy usage in UK Bus and UK Rail compared to 2006/07.
- First has achieved a 6% increase in waste recycling in UK Bus compared to 2006/07.
- CO2 emissions from business travel have reduced by 11%.
- In April 2008, all First bus and train operating companies in England and Scotland became accredited to the ISO14001 environmental management system standard.
- In July 2008 Firsts operations in the UK were accredited under the Energy Efficiency Accreditation Scheme (EEAS). This is a leading independent emission reduction award scheme that recognises organisations that can demonstrate energy savings through management commitment and investment in energy efficiency measures. FirstGroup is the first transport company to complete the accreditation since the scheme was extended to include transport emissions.
- Earlier this year, First revealed that it has begun trials in Bristol to run a bus powered by fuel made from waste cooking oil from local chip shops and restaurants.