Stagecoach has today announced that it will submit carbon reduction goals for independent assessment by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to confirm they are in line with the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change.
The announcement follows Stagecoach joining the United Nations-backed Race to Zero initiative, which is committed to setting science-based carbon reduction targets.
Companies joining the initiative are part of an ambition to limit warming of the planet by 1.5°C. In addition, Stagecoach has also committed to reaching science-based net-zero emissions by 2050.
“We have a very clear ambition to help meet the biggest challenge of our times, and around transport there is an opportunity for us all to make a huge difference,” says Martin Griffiths, Stagecoach Chief Executive. “Most importantly, we have identified detailed plans to future proof our business and deliver our net zero ambition.
“But it will take the collective efforts of governments across the globe, consistent pro-public transport policies and changes by everyone in how we live and travel if we are to make this a reality.”
Stagecoach already plans to decarbonise 70% of its business by 2035 (based on its pre-COVID footprint) and says it hopes to have a zero-emission bus fleet by that date.
SBTi recently ratified the Go-Ahead group’s carbon reduction targets, meaning its own pledge to become carbon neutral by 2045 is in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement.