Go-Ahead named a ‘European Climate Leader’ for progress in cutting carbon emissions
- Go-Ahead features on Financial Times’ European Climate Leaders list 2021
- Only two European bus and rail operators qualify for the 300-strong ranking
- The group has cut carbon emissions by 7.5% annually per €1 million of revenue
The Go-Ahead Group has been named a ‘European Climate Leader’ by the Financial Times for its carbon cutting initiatives.
The FT gathered data on more than 4,000 European companies. The top 300 ‘Climate Leaders’ achieved the greatest reduction in greenhouse gas emission intensity between 2014-2019, measured according to tonnes of carbon emissions per €1 million of revenue.
The figures show that Go-Ahead cut its emissions intensity by 7.5% every year from 2014-2019. This has also over a period of significant international growth, with the company beginning operations in Germany, Ireland and Norway, as well as expanding in the UK. The group is one of only two bus and rail operators in Europe to make the list.
Go-Ahead is the largest electric bus provider in the UK and has committed to run a zero-emission bus fleet by 2035.
In addition, all Go-Ahead’s UK premises – including rail stations and bus depots – are powered by renewable electricity such as solar, wind and hydro power.
All companies on the shortlist had to have a CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project) rating of at least ‘B minus’. Go-Ahead received ‘A minus’ rating in 2021, its highest ever accreditation, and the highest score of any transport operator in the UK.
The Group has pioneered other innovative technology, such as air filtering buses, which clean particulate matter from the air, and geo-fenced buses that automatically switch to zero-emission in city centre areas with poor air quality.
Katy Taylor, Go-Ahead’s Chief Customer & Strategy Officer said: "We're pleased that Go-Ahead has been recognised for cutting carbon emissions. We will continue to ensure our buses, trains, depots and assets are as sustainable as possible – for the good of the planet and our passengers.”
"However, we can all play our part in helping reduce emissions further. We need people to switch their journeys away from the car and to choose walking, cycling and public transport instead. That will have the biggest impact on reducing the UK's overall carbon emissions."