Environment

Changing Climate

Our climate is changing – both in Britain and around the world. Because of man-made pollution that traps the sun’s heat, the planet may never have warmed as fast as it has in the past 25 years. The years 2005 and 1998 were probably the warmest years of the last millennium. The 1990s was the warmest decade and the 20th century the warmest century.

Any further alterations to the climate can be reduced by us, humans. We can reduce the amount of energy that we use; the amount of pollutants, the amount of waste that we generate, and more importantly, the amount of carbon dioxide emissions we produce. All of these combined will help to stop climate change.

Public transport is a great way of reducing carbon dioxide emissions. If more people use public transport, less emissions will be made from cars.

However, public transport such as our buses generate vast amounts of waste and fuel usage.

So what is Travel West Midlands doing to help the environment?

Investing in ‘greener’ vehicles. Travel West Midlands now conforms to the Euro 4 standard for emissions from new buses. This is currently the highest European standard.
Introducing recycling initiatives. By the end of 2007 office paper, newspapers, cardboard, metal, glass and electrical equipment will be recycled in all TWM depots.
Monitoring energy and water usage throughout the depots and continually investigating ways of reducing the energy usage. Any new energy and water saving devices and technology will be considered for use at TWM.

Providing in-house training for key employees throughout the business. This will be done through formal training sessions as well as information through posters and the Intranet.
Being a ‘good neighbour’. It is important to respect the local community and this is done by reducing depot noise and fumes.

Did you know??

National Express Group has joined the campaign called ‘We’re In This Together’. This is a Government initiative to reduce the effects of climate change and NX Group, along with other major companies such as Tesco, Marks & Spencers and British Gas, have joined together to combat this problem.

Amazing facts

5 Litres of oil can cover 4,000m3 of water
1 Litre of solvent can pollute 1,000 million litres of drinking water (around 50 Olympic-sized swimming pools)
Just 1 litre of milk will remove the entire oxygen content of 10 tonnes of river water. Fruit juice and beers also have the same effect!

Download Environmental Policy (PDF)