Eurostar has raised its CO2 reduction target from 25% to 35% saving per passenger journey by 2012.
The rail operator said higher load factors and a switch of electricity supply in the Channel Tunnel has already contributed to a cut of 31% in CO2 compared with 2007.
Publishing its Tread Lightly Report today, it said the environment remains a priority for consumers, despite the economic downturn.
Research by Hall & Partners, commissioned by Eurostar, among the general public in the UK, France and Belgium found that:
– 7 out of 10 believe large companies have a responsibility to go beyond simple box ticking when reducing the impact of their products (73% UK, 79% France, 77% Belgium)
– 7 out of 10 think their own actions and consumption choices can affect global warming and climate change (75% UK, 79% France, 75% Belgium)
– 6 out of 10 consumers say the environment is a priority when spending (60% UK, 64% France, 68% Belgium)
– 4 out of 10 say environmental issues had an impact on decisions when making recent purchases or choices concerning holiday travel (48% UK, 39% France, 37% Belgium).
Eurostar chief executive Richard Brown said: “There is a clear appetite among consumers to find ways of reducing the carbon emissions from their holiday travel, and an expectation that the industry should help them do this.
“It is time to harness consumer pressure and business creativity into a virtuous circle of actions to tackle climate change, that will help travellers cut the overall emissions generated by their holiday travel.â€
In 2007, Eurostar unveiled a 10-point plan to reduce emissions, which includes the introduction of biodegradable and recyclable paper and plastic crockery and cutlery on board.
By Bev Fearis
