The goals have been validated by the corporate climate action organisation Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Fewer than 5,800 companies worldwide have this accreditation.
GTR Head of Environment and Sustainability Jason Brooker said: “This is our public commitment to push ahead with net-zero by 2050. We have set near-term science-based targets that are in line with what is needed to keep global warming below catastrophic levels with a maximum 1.5C rise.
“This is a statement of intent. Science-based targets are really hard work to develop so by committing to them and achieving this certificate, we’re showing our ambitions are truly credible.”
The latest climate science from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change – described by the United Nations as “code red for humanity” – shows it is still possible to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C, but we are dangerously close to that threshold.
Rapid and deep emission cuts are considered vital in halving global emissions before 2030 and achieving net-zero before 2050.
GTR has committed to reduce ‘scope 1 and 2’ greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by 2029. These are emissions associated with fuel used directly and indirectly for things such as running our small fleet of diesel trains, company vehicles, generating electricity to power trains, offices and depots.
However, GTR already sources clean or renewable electricity for its electric trains, depots and offices. By far the majority of greenhouse gases in its operation come from the companies in its supply chain creating the goods and services it uses. GTR has pledged to reduce these ‘scope 3’ greenhouse gas emissions by 24% within the same timeframe.
Luiz Amaral, Chief Executive Officer of the Science Based Targets initiative, said: “Today, we welcome Govia Thameslink Railway’s science-based targets consistent with limiting warming to 1.5°C.
“The ambition of Govia Thameslink Railway’s targets is aligned with the need for the global economy to rapidly cut emissions. This company is setting an example for the rest of its industry, and I urge others in its sector to set their own targets too.”
Beyond the near-term targets that have received SBTi accreditation, GTR further aims to eradicate its carbon footprint altogether by 2050. This is summarised in a Net Zero Strategy [download here], highlights of which are:
- working with Network Rail and government to replace what few diesel trains are in use, possibly by electrifying the last two sections of Southern Rail track or introducing battery-powered units
- replacing gas with air or ground source heat pumps or equivalent as a source of heating at train depots
- generating energy from more than 6,000 solar panels being installed on the rooftops of train depots in Bedford, London and Sussex in a partnership with not-for-profit Community Benefit Society Energy Garden
- changing air conditioning systems to limit the damaging impact caused by any loss of refrigerant into the atmosphere
- replacing fossil fuel equipment with zero carbon systems when it needs replacing, if not sooner
- continuing to source certified renewable electricity for its offices, depots and stations
- installing smart meters
