Climate change strategy
Our climate commitment
In July 2021, we published our climate change strategy with ambitious targets to decarbonise our operation and adapt our business to the impacts of climate change. The strategy also focuses on our greatest contribution to reducing carbon emissions in the regions we operate: enabling people to shift from private cars to public transport.
The Group’s overarching target is to become a net zero carbon business by 2045. As milestones on the way to this target, Go-Ahead plans to achieve a decarbonised bus fleet by 2035 and to eliminate all remaining diesel trains from its networks by 2035. This will enable us to meet our validated Science Based Target of a 75% reduction in our scope 1 & 2 emissions by 2035.
Public transport is fundamental in tackling climate change and at Go-Ahead, sustainability is at the core of every major decision we take.
We are on a journey towards decarbonising our business by investing in zero-emission buses and trains. Equally importantly, we want our buses and trains to be the mode of transport of choice for local journeys, encouraging people out of their cars.
Miguel Parras
Group Chief Executive
Part of the climate solution
We want public messaging which clearly states:
"Walk and cycle if you can, use buses and trains. Only take the car if you need to."
- A fully loaded double decker bus can take 75 cars off the road. A train can replace even more.
- Buses only account for 3% of all roadside emissions. We need more people to leave their cars at home and use public transport.
- Prioritising bus and investing in rail are climate change solutions
Our targets
Net Zero by 2045
Decarbonise by 75% by 2035 (validated Science Based Target)
Zero-emission bus fleet in the UK by 2035
Non-diesel rail fleet by 2035
Workstreams
Climate change
Identify how climate change impacts our businesses, passenger services, premises and supply chains, and identify adaptation plans.
- Identify risks and vulnerabilities
- Quantify costs and source funding
- Identify risks to properties
- Work with suppliers to identify and reduce exposure and vulnerabilities
- Develop business cases for adaptation measures
- Work with partners
Mitigation
Decarbonise our fleet and operations.
- Bus fleet decarbonisation
- Rail fleet decarbonisation
- Ancillary fleet decarbonisation
- Decarbonisation of properties
- Develop net/carbon zero commitment
Net zero business by 2045
Zero-emission bus fleet in the UK by 2035
Non-diesel rail fleet by 2035
By 2035 reduce carbon emissions by 75%
Mitigation
Reduce our negative impact on air quality by reducing emissions: CO, HCs, NOx, PM.
- Improve bus fleet by procuring electric vehicles
- Purchase new buses at the latest emissions standards
- Remove older lower emissions standards vehicles from the fleet
- Work on bus priority solutions with local authorities
By 2025 reduce:
Carbon monoxide (CO) by 17%
Hydrocarbons (HC) by 49%
Nitrogen oxides (NOx) by 63%
Particulate matter (PM) by 55%
Mitigation
Reduce our water footprint by embedding responsible water management practices.
- Address leaks better
- Reduce third party use of our water
- Reduce water use
- Improve water sourcing
By 2025 reduce water use by 25%
Mitigation
Reduce our overall waste volumes and increase reuse and recycling, by implementing waste initiatives.
- Improve rail and bus waste management contracts
- Increase recycling rates
- Behaviour change programmes for customers and colleagues
- Reduce waste in supply chain and operational activities
By 2025, increase waste recycling rate to 60%
How we will deliver our ambitions
Overseen by our Executive Team and Board Members
Assessing initiatives with the ‘four Cs’ framework
Amongst colleagues, customers and stakeholders
With stakeholders – public/private approach is critical
