20.06.13
Zero carbon commitment for TfGM
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is committing to becoming carbon neutral by 2033, it will announce at the Ticket to Kyoto (T2K) conference today.
T2K is a European partnership to reduce carbon emissions in public transport, and has already seen the construction of a wind turbine at Bolton’s Horwich Parkway station and will fund onsite hydroelectricity to power Rochdale’s new interchange.
Over the last three years, TfGM has reduced its own emissions by 19%. The new targets for carbon savings are 75% by 2018 and to be completely zero carbon by 2033.
Cllr Andrew Fender, chair of the TfGM Committee said: “Traffic on our roads makes up about one-third of Greater Manchester’s carbon emissions so anything we can do to influence that is important, which is why we are playing our part with these ambitious carbon savings targets.
“Our zero carbon commitment and Ticket to Kyoto partnership show we are serious about making a difference – and T2K has helped us invest in some really innovative green projects.
“Beyond the partnership, we’re also doing what we can to show leadership in cutting transport-related emissions, which account for around 30 per cent of Greater Manchester’s carbon footprint. Metrolink is the first UK tram system to run on green energy – and we’re on our way to having 280 green hybrid and electric buses on the road – more than anywhere in the UK outside London.
“These are just a few high profile examples of our work, which extends to making all our bus stations and offices greener.
“Traffic emissions also contribute directly to local public health concerns, which were highlighted last week by Public Health England’s identification of Greater Manchester as the area with the highest levels of premature death in the country.
“We want everyone in Greater Manchester to play their part in improving the air we all breathe through greener travel. Walking and cycling are good for you as well as the environment, and choosing public transport also reduces the overall emissions impact of travel.”
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