We have developed a Net Zero carbon Strategy setting out a long-term pathway towards achieving Net Zero Carbon from all of operations (scope 1, 2 and 3) by 2050.
The Strategy sets interim targets as well as long term targets split by Traction and Non-traction:
- Non-Traction: Achieve a Carbon reduction of 46.2% by 2030 and Net Zero by 2050.
- Traction: Achieve a 23% Carbon reduction by 2030 and Net Zero by 2050.
We also manage our environmental impact through our integrated Environmental and Energy Management System (EEnMS) certified to ISO 14001 and 50001 standards. This supports our overall sustainability strategy and ensures we are continually improving environmental and energy management and reducing our carbon footprint.
Recent environmental Improvements
- Completed an LED lighting project which has been rolled out to all major Company operated stations.
- Installed monitoring systems that allow us to monitor real time energy usage at most of our sites.
- Resourced a dedicated energy manager role to lead on energy management efficiency across all stations and depots.
- Installed low-flow taps to ensure that water consumption across the estate is efficient and reduced.
- Collaborated with our projects teams and construction partners to ensure that new installations in depots and stations are energy efficient and best practice for carbon emissions reduction.
- Completed energy audits at our depots and larger stations to target energy and usage reductions.
- Worked with Network Rail and other organisations to identify and implement ways to reduce the carbon footprint of our largest depot at Tyseley.
24/25 Performance:
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The data below shows the WMT’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions from its operations, expressed in tonnes of CO2 emissions (tCO2e), for the financial years ending 31 March 2024 and 2025:
| 2023/24 Tonnes of CO2e | 2024/25 Tonnes of CO2e | |
|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 Emissions (from combustion of gas and the consumption of fuel for the purposes of transport) | 35,346 | 39,251 |
| Scope 2 Emissions (resulting from purchase of electricity for its own use) | 46,926 | 47,578 |
| Total Gross emissions - tonnes of CO2e | 82,272 | 86,829 |
The data below is the ratio of CO2e from UK operations per employee (based on average headcount) at the Company for the financial year ended 31 March 2024 and 2025:
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 | |
|---|---|---|
| Average employees | 2,950 | 3,184 |
| Tonnes of CO2e per headcount employee | 27.88 | 27.27 |
Energy Consumption
The data below shows the Company’s energy consumption from UK operations for the financial year ended 31 March 2024 and 2025, expressed in Kilowatt Hours (kWh):
| 2023/24 Total Kilowatt Hours | 2024/25 Total Kilowatt Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | 226,615,402 | 229,762,516 |
| Gas | 6,070,864 | 10,112,782 |
| Diesel | 131,786,938 | 144,305,165 |
| LPG | 287,536 | 287,536 |
| Annual quantity of energy consumed from consumption of gas, fuel for the purposes of transport and the purchase of electricity for its own use | 364,760,741 | 384,179,815 |
*Diesel consumption has increased due to a 14% increase in DMU fleet mileage owing to the roll out of new fleet and services improving customer experience.
Waste and Recycling
We have developed a waste and recycling improvement plan to implement in 24/25 with the aim of increasing recycling rates and reducing waste at source.
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 | |
|---|---|---|
| Total Waste Generated (tonnes) | 1321.16 | 1927 |
| Waste Recycled (tonnes) | 543.0 | 943.89 |
| Hazardous waste | 147.27 | 228 |
| Recycling Rate | 41% | 49% |
Environmental Incidents
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 | |
|---|---|---|
| Enforcement/information Notices | 0 | 0 |
| Environmental fines or prosecutions | 0 | 0 |
| Environmental incidents reported through the EMS | 35 | 34 |