First Bus sites in York, Leicester and Norwich are now verified net zero-emission depots

Following the full electrification of its commercial bus fleets in York, Leicester and Norwich, First Bus has just announced that these three sites are now verified net zero-emission depots and are amongst the first in the country to achieve this milestone.

The depots have built on the progress of their fully electric commercial bus fleets by investing in the necessary additional carbon reduction requirements to claim net zero status, First Bus states.

Reaching this goal has meant going a step beyond eliminating fleet tailpipe emissions (First Bus’s Zero Emission Mission 2035) by accounting for other direct operational emissions associated with each site. This includes the energy used to power depots and ancillary vehicles.

Another significant news for First Bus is the recent order placed with NewPower, a new enterprise that converts diesel buses into zero-emission electric vehicles.

First Bus three net zero emission depots

Net zero was achieved by reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions by more than 90% compared to a baseline (FY20), and residual emissions (less than 10%) have been offset through supporting Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) carbon removals projects. Carbon Footprint Ltd, a leading environmental consultancy, has reviewed and verified these net-zero claims.

Following bus fleet electrification at the three sites, First Bus continued its journey to net zero at each of its depots. For example, replacing the depot gas heating systems with electric heating and the symbolic removal of the on-site diesel refuelling tank at York, the carrier states. Other investments include installing solar PV panels on depot roofs and adopting energy efficiency measures in each building. In addition, First Bus says it buys 100% REGO-certified renewable electricity.

This net zero blueprint will be used across the First Bus estate to achieve the wider business commitment of net zero emissions by 2050 or earlier.

Isabel McAllister, Chief Sustainability and Compliance Officer for First Bus, said: “We’re so proud that three of our depots are now verified as net zero-emission operations. This is a huge step for First Bus as we continue to lead the way in this space within the bus industry. We take our net zero-emission strategy incredibly seriously and look forward to continuing the electrification of our fleets, whilst ensuring we keep delivering on our sustainability promises to the benefit of our people and our customers.”

Dr Wendy Buckley, Client Director at Carbon Footprint Ltd, added: “First Bus is a clear leader in public transport innovation and one of the first to achieve net zero operations across three of its sites – we can’t wait to see further sites achieve this status in the future. Congratulations to the depot teams for the hard work that has gone into achieving this milestone”.

Ed Gillespie, Futurist, Environmental Entrepreneur, Campaigner and Author, said: “It is incredible to see the creative, ingenious and comprehensive approach that First Bus has implemented to radically decarbonise its bus fleet, depots, operations and indirect emissions. York, Norwich and Leicester represent an authentically trailblazing attitude to tackling climate change, improving urban air quality and influencing the whole system – from sharing electric vehicle charging facilities to transforming diesel vehicles into EVs. It is exciting to see these ancient cities pioneering a bold new future for 21st century public transport that works for people, place and planet.”