Energy efficiency is key to cutting carbon and controlling costs

As fuel costs rise, energy-efficiency measures have brought a welcome convergence between cost saving and carbon reduction. Daniel Wright finds there’s plenty more potential

London Midland trains are fitted with smart electricity meters which monitor energy consumption

London Midland trains are fitted with smart electricity meters which monitor energy consumption

The new Siemens Desiro City for Thameslink will be lighter and use less energy

The new Siemens Desiro City for Thameslink will be lighter and use less energy

Travel de Courcey has just put three all-electric (fast charging battery) buses into service on the Coventry Park and Ride

Travel de Courcey has just put three all-electric (fast charging battery) buses into service on the Coventry Park and Ride

London’s Blackfriars station will generate half its electricity needs from solar cells.

London’s Blackfriars station will generate half its electricity needs from solar cells.

New powertrains are moving buses towards cleaner power sources

New powertrains are moving buses towards cleaner power sources

Southern promotes its trains use of regenerative braking.

Southern promotes its trains use of regenerative braking.

"Eco-dashboards" help drivers operate their vehicles as efficiently as possible

"Eco-dashboards" help drivers operate their vehicles as efficiently as possible

It is a win-win situation when the engineering, commercial and marketing departments of passenger transport organisations can find common cause in their business objectives, and a shared message to present to the public and political decision-makers. But the idea of ‘going green’ is increasingly providing just that opportunity - with improved economic and environmental credentials going hand-in-hand. Applying smarter thinking about how bus and rail systems are designed, equipped and...