Arriva has announced the formation of an in-house Zero Emission Institute. It acts as a central knowledge hub under one virtual roof that the group says “will benefit Passenger Transport Authorities and Arriva’s business units.”
The Institute will share pan-European experience and best practice in the move to zero emissions, with an initial focus on buses. Trains, buildings and processes are also part of its remit, and the Institute will involve “a team of experts in fleet planning to accelerate [Arriva’s] journey to net zero in partnership with cities and regions.”
Part of the Institute’s work will be to forge relationships and partnerships with external organisations, including energy companies, academia, innovators, engineers and the vehicle design and manufacturing chain. It will also analyse vehicles’ full lifecycle costs and environmental impacts
Says Arriva Group Board Member, Managing Director of its operations in the Netherlands and lead on wider sustainability strategy across Europe, Anne Hettinga: “This is a great moment for Arriva as it allows us to consolidate all our expertise under one virtual roof.
“I feel proud of everything that has been achieved already, but now we must look to accelerate decarbonisation in Europe. Passenger transport will be critical for this.”
Adds Zero Emission Institute Director Matt Greener: “Sustainable passenger transport solutions are a critical component of the journey to net zero and partnership will be the key to achieving this.
“Governments, local authorities, operators, manufacturers, academics, engineers and energy providers will need to come together to innovate and solve challenges to ensure a faster transition. I am excited about the role of my team and the contribution we will make under the banner of our Zero Emission Institute.”
In addition to its Zero Emission Institute work around partnerships, Arriva has underlined that government policy encouraging a switch to public transport is an imperative on the road to net zero.
