First Bus depots in Leicester, York and Roundtree Way in Norwich have been verified as net-zero-emission by environmental consultancy Carbon Footprint, which reviewed the group’s claims for those three operating centres.
Such accreditation has come thanks to battery-electric operation at each depot and necessary additional carbon reduction measures such as replacement of gas heating with electric, use of solar panels, and the adoption of energy efficiency measures.
Verification was achieved by reducing Scope 1 direct emissions and Scope 2 indirect emissions by more than 90% compared to an FY20 baseline at the locations, while residual emissions (less than 10%) have been offset through supporting Verified Carbon Standard carbon removal projects.
The net-zero blueprint will be used across the First Bus estate to achieve the wider business commitment of net-zero emissions by 2050 or before, it says.
Speaking about the achievement, Chief Sustainability and Compliance Officer Isabel McAllister says: “We are so proud that three of our depots are now verified as net-zero-emission operations. This is a huge step for First Bus as we continue to lead the way in this space within the bus industry.
“We take our net-zero-emission strategy incredibly seriously and look forward to continuing the electrification of our fleets while ensuring that we keep delivering on our sustainability promises to the benefit of our people and our customers.”
In addition to multiple orders for new zero-emission buses, First Bus has engaged in the repowering of existing diesel vehicles to battery-electric. That includes an order with Wrightbus subsidiary NewPower for the processing of 32 Wrightbus StreetDeck double-deckers and other work with Equipmake.
Carbon Footprint Client Director Dr Wendy Buckley describes First Bus as “a clear leader in public transport innovation” and adds that it is among the first fleets to achieve net-zero operation across three of its depots.
Adds Dr Buckley: “We cannot wait to see further sites achieve this status in the future. Congratulations to the depot teams for the hard work that has gone into achieving this milestone.”
