Stagecoach commits to reduce near-term carbon reduction targets as they launch new electric bus partnership with South Yorkshire

Stagecoach has announced that its near-term greenhouse gas emission targets have been approved by corporate climate action organisation, the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Stagecoach was supported in developing its climate change targets by specialist consultancy, Net Zero International. 

The announcement comes as Stagecoach unveils 23 new electric buses for Rotherham, in partnership with South Yorkshire Combined Authority and supported by Government funding. The new ‘Electro’ branded vehicles will operate on routes from Rotherham to Doncaster and Barnsley.  

The carbon reduction commitments include a 55.6% reduction in scope 1 & 2 greenhouse gas emissions by FY2032, with a 54.6% reduction in scope 3 emissions (compared to FY2019 levels) in line with the latest science on a 1.5°C global warming. Stagecoach has also committed to continue to source 100% renewable energy through to FY2023.  

Bringing together 4,200 committed companies across the globe, the SBTi is a collaboration between CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project), the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).  

Stagecoach is a signatory to the United Nations Global Combat and was recently awarded an A- climate change leadership rating by CDP.  

SBTi develop standards, tools and guidance which allow companies to set greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions targets in line with what is needed to keep global heating below catastrophic levels and reach net-zero by 2050.  

Greg Ritt, Head of Sustainability at Stagecoach, said: 

“We’re delighted that our near-term commitments to reduce our harmful greenhouse gas emissions have been approved by SBTi as aligning to the latest scientific evidence on climate change.  

“They are proof of our ambitious sustainability plan to protect the planet and to support the prosperity of the local communities that we serve.”