Atmospheric Impacts

“We will actively reduce our use of energy and emissions of greenhouse gases in transport, design, construction, maintenance, and in the operations of our facilities”.

Following the Kyoto climate change conference in December 1997, the UK has a legally binding target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 12.5% below 1990 levels by the period 2008 to 2012. This means a reduction equivalent to 27 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂). The UK also has a domestic aim of reducing CO₂ emissions to 20% below 1990 levels by 2010 and is committed to putting itself on the path to cut CO₂ emissions by 60% by about 2050.

Road Transport is responsible for 22% of all CO₂ emissions in the UK and up to 50% of all smog-forming pollutants and although air quality in the UK is slowly improving, many areas will still fail to meet national and European air quality standards.

There are three main sources of emissions and we are committed to reducing our impact in all of them:

1. Local emissions from projects (e.g. dust emissions);
2. Use of energy in our offices and projects; and
3. Use of our transport fleet.

2005 Target 5 – Define a strategy for:

1. Marked reduction in car option CO₂ emissions (i.e. the car list steer to lower CO₂ vehicles) – Target Score 100%

There are principally 3 types of emissions from combustion engines in our fleet vehicles:
Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)
Nitrous Oxides (NOx)
Hydrocarbons (HC)

Generally diesel engines provide improved CO₂ emissions, but suffer from higher emissions of NOx and HC. It is the global focus on global warming and greenhouse gases such as CO₂ coupled with government incentives to reduce CO₂ emissions that has led the trend toward diesel engines in recent years.

We have been working to reduce the CO₂ emissions in our car fleet through a steady reduction in emissions per mile in each vehicle delivered through changes in car choice list. For example, each car list for employment grades has a maximum CO₂ rating. We have also established a strategy for reducing business mileage by introducing video conferencing facilities and by questioning business mileage. The migration of our fleet from petrol to diesel and the addition of, for example, the Toyota Prius to our fleet are also helping to reduce CO₂ emissions.

2005 saw an increase to Carillion fleet size, which was predominantly driven by the acquisition of PME. Our CO₂ has grown from 8,959 kg in 2004 to 12,798 kg in 2005. However, CO₂ per unit has reduced to 4,121 kg in 2005 from 4,291 kg in 2005. The proportion of diesel vehicles has also grown from 63% in 2004 to 85% in 2005 with the introduction of some hybrid vehicles also in 2005. We have seen continued reductions in CO₂ emissions per unit as our shift to diesel continues and manufacturers improve emission levels.

We are also working on encouraging our people to travel less by making use of Video Conferencing (VC) facilities and making people aware that they are available. By doing this it is hoped that we will achieve a reduction in CO₂ emissions produced by our vehicles, as people will be driving less as a result of increased VC facilities. Carillion Business Services launched a poster campaign throughout Sustainability week 2005 to encourage people to use VC, BT call me Conferencing and Net Meeting facilities wherever possible, see the poster here. We are already seeing an increase in the use of VC and in 2006 we hope to have actual figures on video conferencing usage rates.

2. Achieving smarter vehicle mileage (i.e. without negative business impact) – Target Score 100%

Carillion Fleet Management produced an informative brochure how they have and are gaining value through applying a sustainable approach in fleet management. The brochure focuses on increasing drivers awareness on ‘Utilisation through ‘smarter’ mileage, ‘Health and Safety’ through managing risks to reduce accidents, the ‘Supply Chain’ by ensuring we work with those suppliers who share the same vision as us, and through ‘Specification’ by shaping our fleet through influencing choice. See the Carillion Fleet Management ‘Providing Sustainable Solutions’ brochure.

2005 Standard – Deliver Carillion Estates 2005 Energy Action Plan (Note Estates Plan to 2010 is to achieve Econ 19 benchmark)

Our use of energy in offices stems from energy supplied by fossil fuels, which is used for heating, cooling, ventilation and the operation of equipment, such as computers, printers and photocopiers. The burning of fossil fuels leads to the production of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, that in turn contributes to global warming. We are therefore committed to reducing our emissions of CO₂, in order to minimise our impact on the environment.
We can achieve this from;
Reducing the level of energy consumption
Ensuring that energy is from a renewable resource

Since end of 2004 we have been buying 100% CCL exempt Green Energy for our offices. All this comes from renewable sources and is therefore exempt of CCL charges.

See our CO₂ consumption in our Head Office Buildings from 2002 to 2005 here.