FirstGroup plc, a leading private sector provider of public transport, has qualified for the London Stock Exchange’s Green Economy Mark in recognition of its contribution to the global green economy.
Launched in 2019, this 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 4% of total transport emissions compared with 55% from private cars, with just one of our double decker buses helping to take up to 75 cars off the road.
FirstGroup’s transport services contribute to society’s environmental objectives including climate change mitigation and air quality improvements by driving modal shift from cars to buses and trains.
With a fleet of almost 9,000 buses and rail vehicles across the UK, carrying more than 1.4m passengers per day, FirstGroup is committed to reducing the carbon impact of its services by transitioning to low/zero emission technologies.
We are the UK’s largest rail operator and have already introduced, or are in the process of introducing, new electric and bi-mode trains across all six of its rail companies in the UK, while the Group’s GWR and TPE rail companies are also trialling battery-charging technology. Our bus business has committed to cease purchasing diesel buses after 2022 and achieving 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.”
Julia Hoggett, CEO of the London Stock Exchange, added: “Congratulations to FirstGroup on receiving the Green Economy Mark, which recognises companies that derive more than 50% of their revenues from green products and services. Companies that qualify for the Mark play an important role in the global green economy and the shift towards low-carbon business models: they are key to accelerating the transition to a more sustainable economy.”