Media Centre

Bus depots gain international certification

06 Mar 2008

National Express West Midlands (formally Travel West Midlands) has proved its dedication and commitment to the environment with two of its major bus depots gaining certification to the international management system standard ISO 14001:2004.

Through a focused environmental drive, both Wolverhampton and Perry Barr bus depots have now gained the certification which demonstrates the Company’s strive to prevent pollution, recycle waste and reduce energy consumption – all which help both depots manage their environmental impacts.

National Express West Midlands has had some notable success in improving its environmental performance in the last couple of years. The key points being:

• The Company has reduced site energy use at bus depots by 40% in three years.
• Along with the rest of National Express sites, all bus depots now use ‘green tariff’ electricity which is generated from renewable resources.
• Waste recycling has been introduced at all sites.
• Delivered a training programme to staff.

Nick Coad Environment Director at National Express Group said; "Using the bus is one of the simplest steps an individual can take to reduce their impact on the environment.  However we are not complacent about the need to improve our own performance and it is great to see the big improvements that National Express West Midlands have made”

Nick added; "The ISO14001 certification also gives us an endorsement that our environmental management system has the quality required and that it complies at every key stage. We’re extremely keen to now move forward and ensure that our other depots across the UK achieve ISO14001.” 

Ken Mee, Managing Director at RIQC said;"We were impressed by the high level of commitment and awareness that was demonstrated through the series of audits carried out by RIQC Limited, and it was evident that employees at National Express West Midlands’ Perry Barr and Wolverhampton bus depots are aware of their environmental obligations. The enthusiasm and commitment of all staff enabled the Company to move forward demonstrating the commitments of the requirements of the International Standard ISO 14001:2004 standard."

Notes to Editors:

• ISO 14001 was first published in 1996 and specifies the actual requirements for an environmental management system. It applies to those environmental aspects which the organization has control and over which it can be expected to have an influence.
• ISO 14001 is often seen as the cornerstone standard of the ISO 14000 series.
• RIQC is an independent certification body dedicated to supporting a wide range of industries. Our philosophy is to always work in close partnership with our clients to provide cost effective, specialist audit support.
• Pictured front left to right: Alex Perry, Midlands Director at National Express UK and Leon Jennings, Environmental Supervisor for National Express UK with the ISO 140001 awards along with staff from Wolverhampton and Perry Barr garages.