South Western Railway (SWR) is today (Friday 11 October) pleased to announce the sustainability results from the second year of its franchise.
SWR recognises the important role rail plays in meeting the challenges of the future and is committed to embedding sustainability throughout its organisation for the benefit of the communities and people it serves, as well as the environment.
See how SWR has become cleaner and greener in 2018/2019:
Between 2018/2019, recycling rates hit record highs, whilst there’s been reductions in carbon emissions, energy and water usage across its trains, stations and depots.
During this period, SWR has:
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Won a Gold Green Apple Award for Environmental Excellence
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Achieved zero waste to landfill from trains, depots and stations
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Installed 60 new electric vehicle charging points across six stations
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Reduced its overall energy usage by 11%
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Achieved 90% recycling rates at larger stations and 82% across its whole business
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Achieved international certification - ISO14001 and ISO50001- for recycling and energy saving measures
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Reduced water consumption by 2% and installed automatic water meter readers
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Offered passengers more local sustainable choices through on-board catering supplier, Elior
Today's results also show how SWR is working with local communities to help people achieve their potential by investing in apprenticeship schemes, employee training and programmes, working with and raising money for charity, and funding projects that make a real, positive difference.
Between 2018/2019, SWR has:
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Helped build people’s confidence to travel by rail with 16 ‘Try the Train’ experiences as well as supporting Community Rail Partnerships
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Raised nearly £122,000 for Action for Children and supported local charities on its network
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Helped young people turn their lives around with the Prince's Trust ‘Get Into’ programme
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Delivered high-quality apprenticeships for 126 people through the REACH apprentice scheme
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Become an official partner for Pride Southampton, hosted Women in Rail South events and delivered inclusive workplace training programmes
Andy Mellors, SWR’s Managing Director, said:
"I'm pleased we’ve made great progress in our efforts to become more sustainable since the beginning of the franchise.
"Rail must play its part in making a positive social, environmental and economic impact on the communities and customers it serves, and embrace action on climate change, diversity and inclusion and sustainability."
Amelia Woodley, Head of Sustainability at South Western Railway, said:
"We are passionate about putting sustainability at the heart of everything we do, and our efforts to reduce the impacts from trains, stations and depots are paying off.
"Transparency is key to showing how we’re making a difference. We’re reducing our carbon emissions, improving recycling rates, as well as being ambitious about what we can achieve in the future."
Notes to editor
The second year figures are from April 2018 until March 2019
Video data: 33% represents the carbon emissions saved from renewable energy generated by the UK's electricity grid. Figure is specific to SWR.
Click here to read SWR's sustainability commitments and strategy
