Highlights
- 85 hybrid buses.
- 7 routes converted to full hybrid operation in air quality management areas.
- 36% fuel savings are achieved via hybrid buses.
- Removed nearly 2,500 tonnes of CO2 from the carbon footprint with reductions of up to 99% in NOx and 70% in PM emissions.
- Significant annual savings.
Lothian Buses is Edinburgh and Lothian’s largest bus operator, providing over 70 services in and around Edinburgh. They connect with nearly every community in the city, extending into East Lothian and Midlothian, with other services linking to Edinburgh Airport and the city’s park and ride facilities. Lothian Buses have a strong environmental strategy and are pro-active in improving air quality along their bus routes. They have invested in 85 hybrid buses and are improving the quality of the rest of their fleet through a replacement programme.
The Transport award recognises businesses that have achieved significant reduction in environmental impact through the introduction of sustainable transport practices.
Lothian Buses is to be commended for their approach to sustainable transport within the City of Edinburgh and environs, purchasing hybrid buses to lower the environmental impact of travel and future proofing their operations against potentially tighter environmental legislation.
Lothian Buses is committed to an Environmental Strategy containing both buses and internal operations for the next 5 years. Their environmental Policy contains a commitment to reducing the environmental impact from internal operations including reducing waste and investigating measures to reduce energy and water consumption. Lothian Buses are proactively improving their internal transport options though the provision of EURO VI vans and through a trial of electric vans.
All major metrics are measured, recorded, tabulated and used to drive improvement. Telematics are used to monitor fuel consumption, mileage and mpg.
It is clear that the company have achieved substantial savings in fuel from the hybrid fleet which has allowed continuous investment in the fleet, removing older, higher polluting vehicles.
A total of £18.5m has been invested into this new technology (£5.8m from the Scottish Government Green Bus Fund). Future plans include the introduction of full electric buses.
Richard Hall, Managing Director, Lothian Buses: “We are delighted to have been selected as the winner in the Transport category at this year’s Vibes Awards. This highlights Lothian Buses ongoing journey to reduce our impact on the local environment and our commitment to meeting the Scottish Government’s Climate Change targets.”