TransPennine Express has already reduced CO2 emissions by almost 20 per cent in recent years and now vows to do even more

TransPennine Express (TPE) has today, made a public commitment to significantly step up its plans to help address climate change and reduce its carbon footprint to net-zero.

The train company, which runs services across the North and into Scotland, has joined the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), and will now put together a clear set of targets to map out how it will drive down emissions and help care for the planet.

Science Based Targets (SBTs) provide companies with a clearly defined path to reduce emissions in line with the Paris Agreement goal to limit global temperature rises to 1.5 degrees. They show companies how much and how quickly they need to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions to prevent the worst effects of climate change.

TPE has already taken steps towards addressing climate change and is on track to reduce carbon emissions by 30 per cent per vehicle kilometre by April 2023.  The company has already cut carbon emissions by 18 per cent since 2019 and its Nova train fleet, which includes bi-mode and electric trains, helps reduce passengers’ CO₂ by 77 per cent compared to travelling by car*.

Matthew Golton, Managing Director for TransPennine Express said; “Train travel is already one of the most sustainable forms of transport, however it is crucial that we do all we can to combat climate change and protect our environment for future generations.

“Signing up to the Science Based Targets Initiative represents an important milestone for us as we publicly commit to setting clear goals towards further reducing carbon emissions ahead of the international climate change summit (COP26) taking place in Glasgow this November.

“More and more people are now taking the train again following the pandemic, and I would encourage others to leave the car at home and reduce their own carbon footprint by travelling in style on one of our fantastic, modern trains instead.”

TPE is part of FirstGroup, which has become the first bus and rail operator in the UK to formally commit to setting an ambitious science-based target to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 at the latest.

Photo credit: istockphoto.com