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

Stagecoach has today (10th May) announced that its near-term greenhouse gas (GHG) 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 GHG 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 FY2030.  

Bringing together over 8,000 companies taking action across the globe and more than 5,300 businesses with a science-based target, the SBTi and its partners (CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute and the World Wide Fund for Nature enable organisations across the globe to take action on the climate crisis.  

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

SBTi develop standards, tools and guidance which allow companies to set 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 greenhouse gas emissions have been approved by SBTi as aligning to the latest scientific evidence on climate change.  

“There is much work to do, but the SBTi's validation strengthens further our sustainability strategy commitments to minimise carbon emissions and support the prosperity of the local communities that we serve.”