Transport leaders sign up to tackle carbon emissions

Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) has signed up to a fully funded programme that will help it to manage its carbon footprint and become more energy efficient.

The Local Authority Carbon Management programme provides technical and change management support to help local authorities achieve carbon emission savings.

Over the next year, a team within GMPTE will develop a carbon management programme that will aim to deliver tangible long-term results against challenging targets.

This will build on the work GMPTE has already begun to deliver reductions in carbon emissions and will enable it to benefit from expert guidance and the experiences of similar organisations within the scheme.

Michael Renshaw, GMPTE’s Interim Bus & Rail Director, said: “As an organisation, we own and manage 21 bus stations and almost 4,400 bus shelters, and we are based in a seven-storey head office.

“Each site presents its own challenges when it comes to using energy in the most efficient way but we are committed to doing just that, which is why we have signed up to this special programme.

“The support it provides will ensure we can share best practice with other public sector organisations, and access feasible and proven solutions and expert advice – all of which will help us to achieve our goal of making carbon emission savings in the short and long term.”

The Local Authority Carbon Management programme follows a five-step plan over the course of a year: 

• Mobilise the organisation: Create a team capable of delivering the project; determine scope and ambition of project; set out a timetable.
• Set baselines, forecasts and targets: Assess historic emissions levels and trends; consider existing and planned projects to reduce emissions; set vision and targets for project.
• Identify and quantify options: Compile options; carry out a cost-benefit analysis; prioritise.
• Finalise strategy and implementation plan: The ‘why, what, how and when’ of how the organisation plans to deliver carbon emission savings.
• Implement plan: Plan, implement and monitor projects; review.

The end result is a long-term plan that will ensure GMPTE can take action to deliver measurable reductions in carbon emissions.

In practical terms, this could mean controlling lighting with movement sensors or timers, installing more automated power meters and conducting staff energy efficiency awareness campaigns.