FirstGroup has qualified for the London Stock Exchange’s Green Economy Mark in recognition of its contribution to the global green economy. Launched in 2019, the classification was created to highlight companies and investment funds listed on all segments of London Stock Exchange’s Main Market and AIM that are driving the transition to a sustainable, low carbon economy. To qualify for the Green Economy Mark, companies and funds must generate 50% or more of their total annual revenues from green products and services.
Across the UK, carbon emissions from buses, coaches and trains make up around 4% of total transport emissions compared with 55% from private cars. FirstGroup operates a fleet of almost 9,000 buses and rail vehicles across the UK, carrying more than 1.4m passengers per day, and has committed to reducing the carbon impact of its services by transitioning to low- and zero-emission technologies.
It has pledged to cease purchasing diesel buses after 2022, and aims to achieve a zero-emission bus fleet by 2035. Recent initiatives include the introduction of the UK’s only 100% solar powered park and ride in Leeds and the opening of the UK’s largest electric vehicle charging hub in Glasgow.
Graham Sutherland, CEO of FirstGroup, said: “We are delighted to have received Green Economy Mark accreditation by the London Stock Exchange, which recognises the key role that public transport plays in addressing the challenges of climate change and contributing to a cleaner, greener and more sustainable future. Our services are vital to delivering the necessary modal shift from private cars to public transport that will reduce congestion and improve air quality.”
