Green Travel
Travelling by train is one of the most eco-friendly ways to travel. We make energy efficiency and reducing our carbon footprint a top priority, demonstrated by the number of environmental awards won for our work.
The Carbon Footprint explained
Carbon Footprint is a measure of the impact human activities has on the environment in terms of the amount of green house gases produced, measured in units of carbon dioxide.
Meaurments show we have one of the lowest carbon footprints within our industry as travelling with us presently results in 46 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer travelled (as of October 2009). This is compared to an industry average of 54g, 104 for car and taxi and 227 for air travel.
This means that on average travelling on our route rather than taking the car will result in 44% less emissions equating to 58 grams of CO2 per kilometer (93g per mile).
When compared with domestic flights this increases to 181 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer (291g per mile). This is likely to be even better as little extra emissions are created for your journey.
We also work on improving links to public transport by offering ‘through-bus’ connections and Underground ticketing in London and many other locations.
How we’re working to improve our energy efficiency
The introduction of carbon targets and a project plan to introduce actions and objectives, such as improving access to data, creating an energy efficiency group with prioritised action plans and analysing what could be saved has focussed the business on reducing environmental impact.
Class 360 trains are able to regenerate electricity when braking as the motors are used as a brake, creating electricity. This can be used for other trains, or put back in the national grid. This normally saves 16% of the energy used by the trains, which saves around 2000 tonnes of carbon dioxide. The new trains ordered for Stansted Express will also be able regenerate electricity
Train heaters have also been modified to work only when in service, which is predicted to save up to 6% of the overall electricity bill for trains. There is also activity to improve efficiency of air-conditioning and heating, when not in use.
The biggest area to see improvement is quite literally in the driving seat, as we are embarking on a program of 'eco train driving' by setting out energy efficient driving techniques. This is based on best advice and supported by tests on best practice.
We have started fitting energy meters to trains and all our electric trains will have meters in future allowing us to test the best driving techniques.
We have also worked with Network Rail to reduce energy at depots and stations. The depots at Norwich and Ilford have had improved insulation fitted, improved control of heating, zonal lighting and energy efficient lighting. Heater controls have been upgraded at the 27 largest stations and more efficient lighting fitted at a number of stations. In addition, we have introduced a campaign to improve housekeeping of energy use.
Recycling
This is an important part of our strategy. At Ilford depot, waste is separated into 6 different types allowing most waste to be recycled. We’re also working with the Metro newspaper to recycle the papers at Liverpool Street. The plan is to increase recycling over the next year at a number of locations.
Environmental awards
We’ve been recognised for our environmental performance with the following awards:
- Greenest Business Award in the transport category at the ‘Suffolk - Creating the Greenest County’ 2008 winner
- Rail Business Awards 2007 – Winner Environmental Innovation
- National Express Trains Awards 2007 – Winner Environmental Excellence
- Green Business Awards 2007 - Winner Best Fleet Manager
What we’re doing next?
We will build on our success by planning to do the following:
- Introduce coasting boards to assist drivers with energy saving
- Energy competition for drivers using energy meters and trains simulators
- Working with Network Rail to improve performance which saves energy
- Looking to changes to the timetable to save energy
- Develop the carbon and energy targets for managers and teams
- Introduce new trains on Stansted Express which are more energy efficient
Further recycling at key locations
What can you do?
When you're on the train, where possible, please close doors and windows when the heating or air conditioning is working to improve its efficiency and reduce energy use.
We’re proud of the efforts we have made to improve energy efficiency. Trains are already the green way to travel and National Express is in the lead to make them even better.