29 April 2009

Eurostar revises CO2 reduction target

Eurostar has raised its CO2 reduction target from 25% to 35% saving per passenger journey by 2012.

The rail operator said higher load factors and a switch of electricity supply in the Channel Tunnel has already contributed to a cut of 31% in CO2 compared with 2007.

Publishing its Tread Lightly Report today, it said the environment remains a priority for consumers, despite the economic downturn.

Research by Hall & Partners, commissioned by Eurostar, among the general public in the UK, France and Belgium found that:

- 7 out of 10 believe large companies have a responsibility to go beyond simple box ticking when reducing the impact of their products (73% UK, 79% France, 77% Belgium)

- 7 out of 10 think their own actions and consumption choices can affect global warming and climate change (75% UK, 79% France, 75% Belgium)

- 6 out of 10 consumers say the environment is a priority when spending (60% UK, 64% France, 68% Belgium)

- 4 out of 10 say environmental issues had an impact on decisions when making recent purchases or choices concerning holiday travel (48% UK, 39% France, 37% Belgium).

Eurostar chief executive Richard Brown said: Ã¢â¬ÅâœThere is a clear appetite among consumers to find ways of reducing the carbon emissions from their holiday travel, and an expectation that the industry should help them do this.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœIt is time to harness consumer pressure and business creativity into a virtuous circle of actions to tackle climate change, that will help travellers cut the overall emissions generated by their holiday travel.Ã¢â¬~

In 2007, Eurostar unveiled a 10-point plan to reduce emissions, which includes the introduction of biodegradable and recyclable paper and plastic crockery and cutlery on board.

By Bev Fearis