Following the full electrification of its commercial bus fleets in York, Leicester and Norwich, First Bus has today [August 28] announced that these three sites are now verified net zero-emission depots.
Net zero was achieved by reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions by more than 90% compared to a baseline, and residual emissions (less than 10%) have been offset through supporting Verified Carbon Standard carbon removals projects.
First Bus replaced the depot gas heating systems with electric heating and the symbolic removal of the on-site diesel refuelling tank at York.
Other investments include installing solar PV panels on depot roofs and adopting energy efficiency measures in each building.
In addition, First Bus buys 100% certified renewable electricity, seeking to completely eliminate carbon from the entirety of the First Bus supply chain.
Chief sustainability and compliance officer for First Bus, Isabel McAllister, said: “We’re so proud that three of our depots are now verified as net zero-emission operations. This is a huge step for First Bus as we continue to lead the way in this space within the bus industry.
“We take our net zero-emission strategy incredibly seriously and look forward to continuing the electrification of our fleets, whilst ensuring we keep delivering on our sustainability promises to the benefit of our people and our customers.”
Achievements and innovations in sustainable public transport will be celebrated at the third annual CiTTi Awards, which will be held on 26 November 2024 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Nominations are open now! Please visit www.cittiawards.co.ukto learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector
