FirstGroup plc, a leading private sector provider of public transport, has been recognised with a place in the 2023 Clean200 report, one of only six UK companies to be included. FirstGroup is the only passenger transport operator based in Europe to be listed in this year’s report, making the list for the fourth year in succession.
The annual Clean200 report is produced by sustainable business media group Corporate Knights in partnership with U.S. not-for-profit organisation, As You Sow. The report ranks the world’s largest publicly listed companies by their total clean energy revenues from products and services that provide solutions for the planet and a cleaner future. Companies included on the list are involved in the provision of infrastructure and services needed to transition to a clean and green economy.
FirstGroup’s bus and rail services play a vital role in combating climate change and improving air quality. First Bus no longer purchases new diesel buses and is committed to achieving a zero-emission bus fleet by 2035. As part of this commitment, and with the help from the Government’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Area (ZEBRA) funding, in 2022 First Bus placed one of the UK’s largest ever electric vehicle orders with UK manufacturer Wrightbus, securing a further 193 electric buses to be allocated between different cities across the UK.
Great Western Railway continues with its fast-charging battery trial, as part of First Rail’s commitment to support the UK Government’s goal to remove all diesel-only traction from the network by 2040. Lumo, FirstGroup’s all electric service between London and Edinburgh, carried more than one million passengers in its first year, helping to deliver successful modal shift with more people choosing rail over air travel between the two capital cities for the first time.
Commenting, FirstGroup Chief Executive Officer, Graham Sutherland, said: “FirstGroup is committed to accelerating the transition to a zero-carbon world to help address the challenges of climate change. We’re pleased that our activities are recognised through our inclusion in this year’s Clean200 list. As a leading provider of bus and rail transport, we have a key role to play in creating a cleaner, greener and more sustainable future.”
Photo credit: FirstGroup
