How the organisation/team has implemented policies, campaigns or technologies to help tackle the climate emergency, achieve net zero emissions or increase resilience to climate change.
Previous Winners:
2023: Glasgow City Council – Ultra Smart Cycle System
2019: Transport for London – Low Emission Bus Zone
2018: NATS, Acting Responsibly
2017: First Bus drives a more sustainable future
2016: First Group – Bristol 2015 European Green Capital
Hitachi Rail
In 2020, Hitachi Rail established a commitment to achieving a 100% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030. The subsequent year, the company extended this commitment to encompass its entire supply chain, targeting the same reduction by 2050. The decarbonisation strategy is structured around three key pillars: (i) driving modal shift by encouraging the transition of passenger journeys from fossil-fuel-based road and air travel; (ii) decarbonising rail through the development of battery-powered trains for tram, commuter, and intercity networks, which are already operational in Japan, Italy, and the UK, alongside fully electric rolling stock for electrified lines; and (iii) reducing emissions from its own operations by adhering to UN targets, minimising energy use, and investing in renewable energy sources.
A significant component of this strategy is the introduction of the ETR1000, recognised as Europe’s fastest train, capable of exceeding 400 km/h. Additionally, the Lumo fleet, which connects Edinburgh to London, operates on a 100% electric basis. In 2022, HR launched Europe’s first battery hybrid passenger fleet, known as the ‘Blues Train,’ in collaboration with Trenitalia, reportedly achieving a fuel consumption and CO2 emissions reduction of up to 50%.
To decarbonise its own operations, HR has installed solar panels at its UK and Italian facilities and partnered with Scottish Power to supply renewable energy for its UK operations. Collaborations with EcoVadis and Normativ have been initiated to assess the carbon impact of its supply chain. In the financial year 2021-22, Hitachi Rail reported a 12% decrease in emissions.
London Borough of Hackney: Hackney’s Boroughwide Transport Projects Contribution to Net Zero
In 2023, the council initiated a Climate Action Plan aimed at coordinating climate actions across its various departments. The plan outlines significant advancements towards a greener borough by 2030, with claims of implementing some of the most comprehensive programs in the country to reduce motor traffic and transition remaining traffic to zero-emission vehicles. Measures taken include an increased provision of zero-emission car club vehicles, the introduction of emissions-based parking permits, and subsidised charging tariffs for residents.
The council has established 19 new low traffic areas (LTAs) and 52 School Streets, which involve closing roads outside schools during peak times to enhance safety. Notably, Hackney has the highest number of School Streets and LTAs of any council in the UK. All initiatives are being executed as trials, accompanied by extensive engagement with local residents.
The Healthy Streets initiative is being rolled out throughout the borough, featuring the largest network of secure cycle hangars in the UK, with plans to install 675 new hangars by 2026. Additionally, 5,000 new street trees have been planted, and 12 new parklets have been created. Hackney aims to install over 2,500 new electric vehicle (EV) charge points by 2026, establishing one of the most concentrated EV networks in the country.
While a quarter of CO2 emissions in Hackney continue to originate from road transport, traffic has decreased by 56% in the borough's four largest LTAs. In contrast to many local authorities, Hackney remains one of only seven areas in the UK to report a reduction in total traffic in the latest year. Recent London Travel Demand survey data indicates that active travel trips account for 64% of all borough-origin trips, surpassing the target of 59% set for 2030.
Southeastern
Southeastern operates one of the UK’s busiest commuter railways, serving over 400,000 passengers daily. The company has implemented a Modal Shift Strategy, recognized as an industry-leading approach to sustainable transport planning. This strategy focuses on enhancing the quality of rail services to position train travel as the preferred choice for passengers. A key component involves integrating first and last mile connectivity to facilitate seamless journeys, emphasizing easy transfers. Infrastructure investment aimed at developing station areas and supporting local businesses is also crucial.
In 2022, Southeastern hosted the first Train Operating Company (TOC) Climate Resilience Conference, which brought together internal stakeholders, suppliers, and industry partners to share best practices. The company recognizes that the necessary changes to mitigate and adapt to climate change require close collaboration with all stakeholders. Southeastern has developed strategies encompassing sustainability, decarbonisation, clean air, modal transport, climate change, biodiversity, waste energy, staff engagement, and environmental excellence.
For 2023, the company set a vision for no net loss of biodiversity by 2028 and aims for biodiversity net gain by 2035. It launched the Southeastern in Bloom competition to engage staff across stations, train crews, and maintenance depots. Additionally, the company collaborated with the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) to conduct carbon literacy sessions for staff. Southeastern has set a target to reduce its Scope 1 and 2 CO2 emissions by 35% between 2019 and 2023 and has produced its first Climate Financial Disclosure report. Initiatives also include the installation of 2,900 solar panels on train depot roofs and modifications to high-speed trains to regenerate electricity, anticipated to lower energy use by 16.5%. The company is transitioning its road support fleet to Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)-compliant vehicles and developing plans to phase out gas boilers at stations.
First Bus East of England: The electrification of Roundtree Way Depot, Norwich, the new home of England’s first fully electric commercial bus network outside of London
First Bus East of England operates across Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex, having launched the first fully electric zero-emission commercial bus fleet in England outside London. The electrification of the Roundtree Way depot in Norwich involves significant infrastructure enhancements and is projected to conclude in March 2024. A total investment of £37.2 million has been allocated, which includes £14.7 million secured through the Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas government funding, in collaboration with Norfolk County Council, alongside £22.5 million from First Bus.
The depot accommodates 70 new electric buses - 59 double deckers and 11 single deckers - manufactured by Wrightbus, replacing 80 diesel buses. This initiative necessitated a substantial upgrade to the power supply to meet current and future demands. The electric vehicle (EV) routes originating from this depot account for approximately 60% of First Bus's operations through the Castle Meadow Clean Air Zone in central Norwich.
First Bus aims to operate a fully zero-emission fleet by 2035, with each electric bus projected to save 75 tonnes of CO2 equivalent (CO2e) annually. This translates to a total annual reduction of 5,250 tonnes of CO2e for the depot, comparable to the emissions produced by 1,250 petrol vehicles. The energy sourced for the depot is certified by Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGO). The facility is equipped with 32 dual-headed rapid chargers and four triple-headed dynamic chargers, enabling it to also serve the local community's charging needs. Additionally, the depot features 146 solar panels, which are expected to generate around 50,000 kWh annually, contributing to approximately 40% of the building’s electricity requirements.
McGill’s Bus Group
McGill’s Bus Group is the largest privately owned bus operator in the UK, managing a fleet of over 850 vehicles and employing approximately 1,800 staff. The company operates from 10 depots in Scotland, providing bus services across the central belt and Dundee.
A £20 million project, supported by funding from the Scottish Zero Emission Bus Challenge Fund, has enabled the addition of 41 electric buses and the electrification of the Greenock depot. This project complements three other electrified operating centers, resulting in the complete electrification of all West of Scotland depots. The investment is projected to eliminate 75,000 tonnes of CO2 over a 15-year period. Currently, McGill’s operates 109 electric buses across Renfrewshire, North Ayrshire, Inverclyde, Dundee, and Glasgow, marking Scotland’s largest zero-emission bus fleet, surpassing the combined total of all other operators in the region. Presently, electric vehicles comprise 27% of the fleet's peak vehicle requirement, with this figure rising to 59% in Renfrewshire, Inverclyde, and Glasgow.
The electrification of the Greenock depot was completed in February 2023, establishing 6 MW of charging capacity, with an additional 4.5 MW planned for future expansion. Smart charging technology enables the depots to draw power from the National Grid during off-peak hours. McGill’s has trained a team of engineers to IMI level 4 in electric vehicle maintenance through an in-house academy and continues to recruit skilled technicians. Each driver undergoes vehicle familiarisation and practical examination, with over 600 drivers trained to date. The company also promotes zero-emission bus travel through outreach efforts, including visits to 17 schools and events for the press and public.
Stagecoach: Leading the Way in Sustainable Transport
Stagecoach currently operates 115 electric buses and is working towards establishing a zero-emission fleet by 2035. The company launched the UK’s first fully electric city network in Inverness, supported by a £10.8 million investment, and has allocated £40 million towards infrastructure improvements in North Scotland through 2023. In East Scotland, an investment of £14 million has facilitated the introduction of 33 electric buses to create all-electric networks in Perth and Dunfermline.
Beyond urban areas, Stagecoach has achieved a 23% electric fleet in West Scotland, with £22 million invested in buses servicing local and semi-rural routes. Notably, Kilmarnock’s Service 1 operates Scotland’s first rapid opportunity charge electric fleet. The installation of charging infrastructure is ongoing at depots in Dunfermline, Perth, Ayr, Inverness, and Kilmarnock. Additionally, Scotland’s first pantograph on-route charging point has been established at Kilmarnock bus station.
Passengers benefit from an enhanced travel experience featuring USB charging points, a mobile app, contactless payment options, and reduced engine noise. The transition from diesel to electric buses is estimated to have led to a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by up to 12,700 tonnes annually compared to diesel alternatives. The initiative has also resulted in economic and social benefits, including the creation of green jobs, workforce upskilling, a 5.4% increase in passenger numbers, and a 13% rise in ticket sales on routes where electric buses have been implemented.
TfL: TfL’s Bus Decarbonisation Journey
Since 2021, Transport for London (TfL) has ensured that its fleet of 9,000 buses meets or exceeds Euro VI emission standards. In response to ongoing air quality challenges in London, as well as the global climate crisis, TfL has established a Zero-Emission Bus Development team within its Buses Directorate. In the 2022/23 fiscal year, buses accounted for over 50% of TfL's total operational carbon emissions, which amounted to 833,000 tonnes, prompting the need for a comprehensive decarbonisation strategy focused on eliminating diesel from its fleet.
In September 2021, TfL announced that it would no longer order new diesel or hybrid buses and advanced the target for converting the entire bus fleet to zero-emission status from 2037 to 2034, with aspirations to expedite this transition to 2030. This strategy has been integrated into its bus tendering process. TfL maintains a technology-neutral stance to foster competition and innovation within the industry, having trialled zero-emission technologies since 2004, beginning with single-deck hydrogen buses.
Currently, London boasts the largest zero-emission bus fleet in Western Europe, comprising 1,458 zero-emission buses, with an additional 1,000 buses on order from various manufacturers. The number of zero-emission bus routes has increased significantly, from three in 2016 to over 70 fully operating routes, alongside 14 mixed-fleet routes. TfL is also investigating enhancements to fire safety measures and the sourcing of materials for zero-emission buses, further contributing to improved operational safety and passenger experience.
Dundee City Council: Clepington Road and Marchbanks
The Dundee City Council has initiated a proactive approach to address the increasing demand on the National Grid for electric vehicle charging. Declaring a climate emergency in 2019, the council has focused on reducing emissions by incorporating electric vehicles into its fleet. Currently, 30% of the 800-strong fleet, including emergency call-out vehicles, are electric. To support this transition, 114 depot chargers have been installed across the city.
The Construction Depot on Clepington Road serves as a key example of this initiative. Previously the main fuelling depot, it has been retrofitted to accommodate electric vehicles with the installation of 25 chargers rated at 7 kW, two at 50 kW, and one at 100 kW. A public charging station was also established at the site. Notably, both public and depot charging points are equipped with solar canopies that generate power and alleviate pressure on the grid. In situations where sunlight is insufficient, energy can be sourced from two second-life battery storage units, each capable of storing 100 MWh.
At the Marchbanks depot, which houses the council’s primary workshop and a taxi testing station, 118 kWp solar panels have been installed. The photovoltaic system is integrated with the workshop’s electrical distribution board, enabling operations to utilise renewable energy. In 2023, electricity adoption significantly decreased fuel usage by 300,000 litres compared to 2014, with council vehicles covering over 2 million miles powered by electricity. Since its activation in August 2022, the photovoltaic system at Marchbanks has generated 54.37 MWh, resulting in a reduction of 10,514 kg CO2 emissions and a savings of over £15,700 on energy costs. Additionally, 10 of the 15 mechanics at Marchbanks have received training to service electric vehicles.
Brighton & Hove Buses: Metrobus: Pioneering one of the biggest fleets of hydrogen buses in the UK
Metrobus, a division of Brighton & Hove Buses, operates a network of 50 routes across Sussex, Surrey, and Kent, including connections to Gatwick Airport. The company has set a goal to decarbonise its fleet by 2035, introducing a new fleet of hydrogen buses as part of this initiative. The initial 20 hydrogen buses, funded collaboratively by Metrobus, EU Jive2, the UK government, and Gatwick Airport, commenced operations on the 24-7 Fastway service between Crawley, Horley, and Gatwick Airport in 2023. This service, a partnership with West Sussex and Surrey county councils and Crawley Borough Council, is the company's most intensive route, covering 370 miles daily - twice the range of an electric bus.
An additional 34 hydrogen buses, funded by Surrey County Council, are currently under construction. Furthermore, a partnership with West Sussex, Surrey, Kent County Councils, and Gatwick Airport has secured just over £10 million through the Zebra 2 initiative to support the development of 43 more hydrogen buses. This will create Europe's largest zero-emission fleet, totalling 97 hydrogen buses.
Hydrogen is deemed the most effective fuel for Fastway's extensive routes, which face heavy passenger loads and hilly terrain. The hydrogen used is generated from desalinated water using renewable energy sources. A planned liquid hydrogen fuelling station, expected to be the largest in Europe, will provide 1,600 kg of liquid hydrogen daily. This transition from gaseous to liquid hydrogen will enable greater storage capacity. Each hydrogen bus can travel 600 miles between refuels, which take under 10 minutes. The implementation of this strategy is focused on addressing the demands of routes that are too intensive for electric buses.
FlixBus UK & Newport Transport: England and Wales's first long-distance electric coach service
FlixBus operates long-distance coach and train services across more than 40 countries on four continents, including over 70 destinations in England, Wales, and Scotland. The company has set ambitious sustainability goals, aiming for carbon neutrality in Europe by 2040 and globally by 2050. Newport Transport, a municipally owned bus operator in southeast Wales, has made significant strides toward zero emissions, currently utilising electric vehicles (EVs) for 80% of its fleet, with plans for a fully electric fleet by 2028.
In spring 2023, a collaboration between FlixBus and Newport Transport led to the launch of the first long-distance electric coach service in England and Wales. This service operates between Newport, Bristol, and London, utilising the Yutong TC12e electric coach, which is recognised for its value and availability. The route spans 240 km each way, exceeding the length of the previous longest electric coach route in the UK, which is located in Scotland, thereby pushing the limits of current zero-emission technology. The electric coach reduces carbon emissions by 352 kg daily compared to a diesel counterpart. At the end of its life cycle, the battery will be recycled for energy storage.
The service has received a favourable Net Promoter Score (NPS) for customer satisfaction, alongside positive feedback from drivers regarding its quieter operation. Onboard amenities include a wheelchair-accessible toilet, free Wi-Fi, and USB charging. Despite higher operational costs due to limited electric charging infrastructure, the partnership has opted not to increase fares, maintaining affordability for passengers. The vehicle’s clean operation allows for a carbon footprint comparable to train travel while offering greater accessibility for long-distance journeys.
Zenobe: EV Collaboration between Zenobe and Nottingham City Transport
Nottingham City Transport (NCT) and Nottingham City Council have successfully secured funding from the Department of Transport’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) Fund to procure 48 fully electric single-deck buses and to implement advanced charging infrastructure at the Trent Bridge Garage. Zenobē collaborated with NCT to design and deliver this charging infrastructure while financing the batteries for the vehicles. As a result, Zenobē has established itself as the long-term partner for electric vehicle (EV) fleet charging, managing the infrastructure and ensuring performance guarantees, allowing NCT to concentrate on service delivery for its passengers.
Zenobē not only installed the charging infrastructure but also took on the long-term maintenance responsibilities. Additionally, the company provided upfront financing for 24 of the batteries, ensuring compliance with route requirements for a duration of 16 years. This approach enables NCT to maximise the deployment of electric vehicles using available government grant funding by spreading it across multiple vehicles. The separation of the battery from the vehicle chassis mitigates the risk associated with the most expensive component, providing assurance that operational requirements will be met.
NCT’s new electric buses are projected to achieve a 79% reduction in well-to-wheel greenhouse gas emissions compared to existing Euro VI diesel buses. Once fully operational, this project is anticipated to prevent 3,800 tonnes of CO2e emissions annually, significantly contributing to the city's goal of carbon neutrality by 2028 and improving urban air quality by removing an estimated 31 tonnes of harmful NOx and 777 kg of PM2.5 from the atmosphere. The first phase of the fleet electrification program saw 24 fully electric buses launched in March 2024, with plans for the remaining diesel buses to be phased out over the next four years.
