DB Cargo UK, Britain’s leading rail freight company, has announced that all its rail sites and offices will be powered by 100% renewable electricity thanks to a three-year agreement with SSE Business Energy.
SSE Business Energy will supply all sites belonging to DB Cargo UK and will allow the rail freight company to report zero carbon emission electricity, preventing an estimated 5,000 tonnes of CO2e from entering the atmosphere each year. The volume of carbon saved is the equivalent to powering almost 4,000 homes with green electricity, or taking circa 17 million miles driven by an average car off the road.
DB Cargo UK worked with Schneider Electric along with DB Schenker UK and Arriva UK Group to identify and evaluate supplier options and arrange the deal. The rail freight company ultimately selected SSE Business Energy based on price and additional services.
Roger Neary, Head of Sales at DB Cargo UK, said: “Our customers have long understood the environmental benefits of moving their goods via rail rather than road; however our customers are increasingly more environmentally aware with “green issues” becoming prominent on their daily agendas. This initiative not only demonstrates DB Cargo’s understanding of our customers’ requirements but also supports DB Cargo’s vision for global sustainability”.
Andrea Jones, Head of Procurement at DB Cargo UK, said: “This is a massive step forward to improving our impact on the environment. We are committed to work with our suppliers to support our DB2020+ Group global strategy to become an Eco-Pioneer by 2020.”
Richard Lait, Head of Safety, Security & Environment at DB Cargo UK said: “Producing electricity from sources which do not cause significant impact on the environment contributes significantly to our responsibility to tackle global warming and pollution. Utilising natural energy flows to create the cleanest energy sources makes good economic sense too”
Andy Dewis, Vice President of Energy & Sustainability Service at Schneider Electric, said: “As technologies advance and prices fall, renewables make good business sense, but with an array of options, finding the right source and supplier and negotiating favourable terms, can be daunting. Through a rigorous selection process, DB Cargo made a milestone investment that serves its customers, communities and long-term operational needs.”
Amber McEwen, Head of Marketing, SSE Business Energy said:
“There is an increasing demand in the market for organisations to be more sustainable and environmentally conscious. SSE has the broadest portfolio of renewable energy generating assets in the UK and Ireland, and we’re delighted to be able to use these assets to offer SSE Green.”
