17.6.2009 First Capital Connect wins Gold at the Green500 Awards
First Capital Connect has won a Gold Award at the Green500 Awards for its successful environmental initiatives and reduction of carbon emissions at stations, offices and on trains.
The train operator was also highly commended in the Innovator Award at the Green500 event for developing a clear, ground-breaking strategy for reducing the energy consumption of trains.
The Green500 is a carbon mentoring scheme initiated by the Mayor of London for large organisations to encourage, acknowledge and reward carbon emission reductions. The programme is funded by the London Development Agency to help deliver the Mayor’s target to cut London’s emissions by 60 per cent by 2025.
First Capital Connect's Gold Award recognised successful environmental initiatives which has seen the company develop a three-year environmental plan leading to an impressive reduction in carbon emissions throughout the company. This includes green travel plans for each location; a dedication to reduce the amount of landfill waste; reducing the consumption of water and electricity; training every employee on environmental awareness.
The award also recognises First Capital Connect as the first operator to achieve ISO 14001 accreditation for the whole company, for environmental best practice and introducing energy meters in trains – all of which have lead to saving an estimated 6,000 tonnes of carbon emissions.
Speaking at the Awards, Mayor of London, Boris Johnson said: "I salute London's top organisations for truly grasping the nettle to become greener. Their sterling work to cut carbon and become energy efficient puts London on the front foot to emerge from the economic downturn stronger and stimulate new jobs.”
Katherine Lewton, Head of Service Quality and Environment, said: "We are now two years into the three-year plan and are seeing real benefits leading to the reduction of carbon emissions. Rail travel is already a very environmental way to travel, and by enhancing every part of our business, we remain passionate about reducing our impact on the environment."
ENDS
