Britain’s leading rail freight company, DB Cargo UK, has announced that thanks to a three-year deal with SSE Business Energy, all of its rail sites and offices will be powered by 100% renewable electricity.
“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,” said Roger Neary, Head of Sales at DB Cargo UK.
As part of the agreement, 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. This volume of saved carbon is the equivalent to powering almost 4,000 homes with green electricity or taking approximately 17 million miles driven by an average car off the road.
“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,” said Andrea Jones, Head of Procurement at DB Cargo UK.
In order to identify and evaluate supplier options and arrange the deal, DB Cargo UK worked with Schneider Electric, as well as DB Schenker UK and Arriva UK Group. The rail freight company ultimately selected SSE Business Energy based on price and additional services.
“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,” explained Andy Dewis, Vice President of Energy & Sustainability Service at Schneider Electric.
