On Stage Issue 71 - Stagecoach Group

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A TREE-MENDOUS E BUS NETWORK’S CA STAGECOACH GOES THE EXTRA MILE TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONME Green scheme keeps buses clean A PIONEERING Bio-bus project which cuts carbon emissions and boosts recycling has been extended for another six months. Stagecoach launched the UK’s first Bio-buses in October 2007 as part of a ground-breaking environmental initiative allowing customers to exchange used cooking oil for discounted bus travel. biodiesel made from used cooking oil and other food industry by-products. These are from sustainable sources that do not involve the destruction of natural habitats or compete with the human food chain. In its first six months, the cleaner fuel saving 550 tonnes of carbon. Stagecoach issued 5,000 free containers to householders on the Service 1 Stewarton to Darvel via Kilmarnock route, allowing them to recycle their used cooking oil in return for discounted bus travel. In six months, more than 21 tonnes of used cooking oil was taken to East Ayrshire Council’s recycling plant at Western Road, recycled at the facility. Local schools and other groups have taken a keen interest in the Bio-bus project. Senior managers from Stagecoach have worked closely with Stewarton and Loudon Academies, both of which are on the bus route, to explain the project to pupils as part of their environmental studies. Sam Greer, Managing Director of Stagecoach West Scotland, said: “The Bio-bus project has captured the imagination of local people, and the community has really got behind the scheme. “We have delivered a truly sustainable partnership solution to the challenge of climate change. The local community, a forward-thinking transport operator, the fuel industry and local government are all working together to protect the environment. “More than 600,000 passengers have used the Bio-bus service, helping to cut their own carbon footprint, and we are a long way carbon neutral service. “We are delighted to extend the project for a further six months to bring further environmental benefits to the local community as we monitor the potential to our UK operations.” STAGECOACH has reached a major milestone in the quest for greener travel with the launch of Scotland’s first carbon neutral bus network. The groundbreaking eco-initiative means all of the Group’s Fife to Edinburgh bus network will be carbon neutral for the next five years. Stagecoach is to plant more than 140,000 trees in 2008, absorbing the CO2 produced by the buses which carry more than 2.4 million passengers a year. A mix of conifer, broadleaf and native woodlands will be planted as part of the project, which has been externally reviewed by Glasgow Caledonian University and verified by Forest Carbon. The scheme will be supported by a major marketing campaign targeted at car users. And it’s just one part of Stagecoach’s environmental strategy to help tackle climate change by reducing the carbon footprint of the company and its customers. The wide-ranging blueprint includes investment in renewable fuels and cleaner engines, state-of-the-art energy efficient facilities, water and waste recycling initiatives and offering businesses green travel incentives for their employees. Brian Souter, Stagecoach Group Chief Executive, said: “This is an extremely exciting initiative which is setting the standard for greener, smarter bus travel and helping our customers reduce their own carbon footprint. “There is an increasing awareness about the impact of people’s behaviour on the environment. We hope this innovative project will promote intelligent car use, encourage more people to get on board public transport and help protect the planet.” NEW DVD SHOWCASES GREEN INITIATIVES The new DVD, greener smarter travel, illustrates the green benefits of public transport. A NEW DVD is showcasing Stagecoach’s commitment to reducing its impact on the environment. Titled ‘greener smarter travel’, the DVD focuses on the climate change challenge facing our world and how seriously the Group takes the issue. Produced in association with independent production and communications company speakeasy, it shows stakeholders the contribution public transport can play in reducing carbon emissions. The DVD covers five key areas: investment in renewable fuels and cleaner engines, state-of-the-art energy efficient facilities, water and waste recycling initiatives and green travel incentives for businesses and their employees. Each theme uses a case study to illustrate the breadth of Group initiatives to make our business more sustainable. 8 Summer 08
NT AND ENCOURAGE GREENER, SMARTER TRAVEL ACROSS THE UK FFORT TO REDUCE RBON FOOTPRINT Pupils from Dunfermline’s Pitreavie Primary School help Stagecoach Group Chief Executive Brian Souter dig for victory in the battle to reduce the company’s carbon footprint. The trees are being planted on Buccleuch Woodlands estates in the south of Scotland under a partnership with Global Trees, a Scotland-based charity set up to help people reduce their carbon footprint. Global Trees founder Peter Grant said: “It is fantastic that an organisation of the size and scope of Stagecoach has become involved with Global Trees and has committed to offsetting its Fife to Edinburgh bus network. “This is great news for the charity and for Scotland. We hope this move will encourage other businesses across Scotland and the UK to get involved and take a more pro-active stance on the issue of global warming. ” TAKING STOCK OF HOW WE USE OUR ENERGY MAKING the best use of energy is being put firmly at the top of the agenda for Stagecoach North East. Independent energy consultants TNEI Services are conducting an energy assessment across each of North East’s six regional depots. And the new energy audit is just the first element of a comprehensive five-year plan to improve the company’s environmental policies. The assessments focus on the main sources of energy use at the depots – heating, compressed air and lighting. And Stagecoach is now waiting for TNEI to offer its recommendations for ways in which it can improve its energy efficiency, reduce its carbon footprint and generally enhance its environmental practice. John Conroy, Managing Director of Jim Colchester, Woodlands Manager at Buccleuch Woodlands, added: “We are delighted that Stagecoach, through Global Trees, has decided to offset these emissions, allowing us to plant 60 hectares of trees. “This is a fantastic initiative and a great example of businesses taking steps to do what they can to help reduce their environmental impact.” Stagecoach North East, said: “Improving our environmental credentials is an essential part of our commitment to enhancing our service offering. “From the vehicles we run across our fleet to the way we use energy in our engineering departments and our offices we are determined to become more energy efficient. “Before we can begin to make changes it is vital that we set clear objectives which will deliver tangible results and benefits. “The advice given by TNEI will be invaluable in terms of delivering our strategic plan and, with their expertise, our long-term targets will be clearly defined and achievable.” An awards scheme is being considered to recognise teams making a significant impact on green targets. “ This is an extremely exciting initiative which is setting the standard for greener, smarter bus travel and helping our customers reduce their own carbon footprint.” Brian Souter, Stagecoach Group Chief Executive Astley Fenwick (left) and Richard Jennings of TNEI, the company set to offer a range of eco-friendly recommendations at Stagecoach North East. Summer 08 9
Page 1 and 2: WHAT A RESULT! The newspaper of Sta
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Page 5 and 6: In the pink: Mark Threapleton, Mana
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Page 11 and 12: Geraldine Smith MP launches Morecam
Page 13 and 14: Brilliant birthday bash for Corby b
Page 15 and 16: Hiking team boosts cause A TEAM of

On Stage Issue 71 - Stagecoach Group

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