National Express East Anglia has taken a proactive approach to the environmental management of its fleet of over 1,000 locomotives and carriages, putting in place a strategy which tackles every aspect of fleet operation to reduce energy consumption. The company runs one of the most energy-efficient train fleets in the UK with an energy consumption rate of 0.101 kW/passenger kilometre - despite having a mix of electric and diesel trains (many of which run in Suffolk). However, it has introduced a comprehensive action plan with over 50 actions designed to reduce energy usage by looking at each element of the power used by its trains. Employees across the company (including those based in Suffolk) are involved in delivering the plan and are more widely encouraged to conserve energy. As a result the company has improved efficiency, reduced consumption and increased awareness amongst employees. Current work suggests this detailed and committed approach is saving around 9% of the company’s overall energy requirements a year with the aim to move this to 20%.
Suffolk resident Phil Barrett, Head of Operations Development, has led the development of the strategy which has cut fuel bills and achieved higher efficiency savings, while its 720 drivers have taken up the challenge to reduce the train fleet’s carbon footprint.
Initial priorities were therefore as follows:
1. Achieving better understanding of energy usage.
2. Working with Network Rail to gain a clearer understanding of train energy usage.
3. Looking at the options for saving energy used for train movement, heating and lighting.
4. Creating an energy efficiency group to improve energy efficiency
5. Developing a project plan with over 50 specific actions to improve energy efficiency by 25%