Carbon Trust Standard for Arriva UK Bus and Arriva Trains Wales

Arriva UK Bus and Arriva Trains Wales (ATW) have both received independent recognition for taking action to significantly reduce their carbon footprint.

The group’s UK bus division has been awarded the Carbon Trust Standard for addressing climate change by reducing its carbon emissions by 4 per cent over the past three years, which is equivalent to almost 20 thousand tonnes of CO2e¹.

This impressive total has been achieved through considerable investment in fleet modernisation, bio-fuels, and the EcoManager driver aid system. EcoManager is a dashboard-mounted LED display which runs from green through amber to red depending on the level of fuel consumption, which is reduced by smooth driving.

Mark Yexley, operations and commercial director for Arriva UK Bus, said: “The time and money we’ve dedicated to reducing our carbon emissions means our buses are more fuel efficient than required, and we’re delighted that this achievement has been recognised by such a prestigious body as the Carbon Trust.

“People recognise that using public transport is more eco-friendly than driving a car, but it can help save cash too. We’ve developed an online fuel calculator which works out exactly how much can be saved and should encourage more people to catch the bus.

“Initiatives like this demonstrate our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint, rather than simply paying others to off-set our emissions.”

Action to reduce energy usage at Arriva Trains Wales/Trenau Arriva Cymru², which has also achieved the standard, has seen a 0.5 per cent reduction in carbon emissions over the past 3 years, equivalent to more than 50 tonnes of CO2e. ATW also estimates that its Eco-Driving Programme has potentially saved more than 1,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide since the scheme launched nearly two years ago, and has been working on engine modifications. ATW’s environmental policy also includes the ‘Be Greener’ internal training programme and Energy Management Assessments.

Harry Morrison, general manager for the Carbon Trust Standard, said: “We congratulate Arriva UK Bus and ATW on their certification. Carbon is a complex issue so most people need shorthand to indicate whether a company is doing the right thing. Achieving the Carbon Trust Standard allows Arriva UK Bus and ATW to talk with integrity about the serious and credible steps Arriva has taken to reduce its carbon emissions.”

The Carbon Trust Standard is the world’s first award that recognises organisations for real carbon reduction. Based on a rigorous, independent assessment, it certifies that organisations have measured, managed and reduced their carbon emissions across their own operations, and are committed to reducing them year-on-year. Please visit www.carbontruststandard.com for more details.

Notes:

1 - CO2e refers to units of “carbon dioxide equivalent” as greenhouse gases produced by industrial and agricultural processes include not only CO2, but also methane (CH4); nitrous oxide (N2O); hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs); perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6)

2 - Certification achieved on a business unit basis of the Customer Services and Fleet Maintenance directorates