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Metro on track for a more sustainable future after lowering carbon emissions

Posted: 19 November 2014 | DB Regio Tyne and Wear

DB Regio Tyne and Wear, which operates the Metro on behalf of Nexus, has reduced its total emissions by 12.75% over four years, saving 5,317 tonnes of CO2…

Metro on track for a more sustainable future after lowering carbon emissions

DB Regio Tyne and Wear, which operates the Metro on behalf of Nexus, has reduced its total emissions by 12.75% over four years

DB Regio Tyne and Wear, which operates the Metro on behalf of Nexus, has reduced its total emissions by 12.75% over four years, saving 5,317 tonnes of CO2.

This contributes towards the Deutsche Bahn vision for 2020 to ‘deliver a system that is environmentally positive with the flexibility to operate into the future, using a range of renewable resources’.

Metro on track for a more sustainable future after lowering carbon emissions

DB Regio Tyne and Wear, which operates the Metro on behalf of Nexus, has reduced its total emissions by 12.75% over four years

DB Regio Tyne & Wear Ltd has made progress over a number of years now. In 2011/2012, it reduced emissions by 7.29%, then in 2012/13 gave a further 1%, and for 2013/14, the company was able to reduce emissions by another 4.7%.

Sharon Kelly, Director of Customer Services and Operations at DB Regio Tyne and Wear, said: “We are delighted to have achieved our priorities in sustainable/green energy at Metro stations across the network, but more so we have already met DB’s 2020 vision for this project.

“The UK aims to reduce carbon dioxide by 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. To help make that happen, we all need to change our behaviour and habits to achieve a low carbon footprint in order to care for the environment.

“We have calculated our carbon footprint since 2010 and have recorded significant drops each year. The calculations demonstrate our continuing efforts and show that the implementation of various initiatives are really making a difference and, importantly, guard against complacency by giving us clear targets to beat each year.”

Director of Rail and Infrastructure for Nexus, Raymond Johnstone, said: “We are pleased that our contractor, DBTW, shares our vision of lowering Metro’s overall carbon footprint.”

Other changes that have been made include the installation of LED lighting in the depot’s working areas that are illuminated 24 hours a day, throughout the year. Last year, the lighting alone contributed towards a 19% reduction in energy use within the depot.

Derek Longstaff, Systems and Compliance Manager for DB Regio, said: “One of the stations, which also includes a car park, to enable customers to park and ride, has been fitted with LED lighting as well as motion sensors. In the two months following installation, the station is returning a 50% decrease in energy usage compared with the same period the year before.”

Derek added that another multi-storey car park on the system which has had motion sensors fitted in its stairwells was also helping to provide a reduction in energy usage of 15% a month compared to the same period last year.

He further added: “The Metrocar energy-saving modification programme is undergoing further development. Once it is operational, the company expects the reductions will be even greater.”

Representatives from IU Consult, which provides utility procurement solutions for SMEs and corporate customers across the UK, and Scottish Power recently attended the  Metro depot, to present a certificate to staff confirming the DB Regio contract will be supplied with 100% renewable energy sources.

A spokesman for Scottish Power, said: “All parties are now delighted to announce that in addition to lowering unit rates applicable, Scottish Power have confirmed the DB Regio contract will be supplied with 100% renewable energy sources.”

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