Steve Chambers, service proposition director at Heathrow Express, said: "The prime objective of EMILAS is to give recognition to lighting schemes showing proven energy savings with a minimum 20% improvement over previously installed schemes. Our new lighting system, at the train maintenance depot, Old Oak Common, has a smart metering system which allows continuous monitoring of lighting levels, including daylight monitoring and a non-occupancy over-ride. Heathrow Express has saved over 25% of its electrical lighting consumption since the start of this year and 102 tonnes of carbon since February 2008."
Heathrow Express's approach to the environment began even before the service was in operation. The electrification of the line from Paddington station enabled Heathrow Express to purchase carbon-efficient electric trains (class 332 Electrical Multiple Units) which were fitted with electrical regenerative brakes that have regenerated enough energy, to have boiled 400,000,000 kettles.
Chambers adds: "This award is recognition of Heathrow Express's ongoing strategy to improve energy-efficiency, whilst being able to reduce our operating costs to achieve our business goals. Heathrow Express customers are travelling on the fastest and most reliable way to the airport and we are committed to making sure our efforts help minimise the impact of these journeys on the environment."
(Jim Evans)
