Transport for LondonEnvironment
We are doing this by better managing waste and resource use in our offices, support services and construction projects, as well as cutting CO2 and air pollutant emissions.
Our environmental objectives are set out in our Environment Report.
On this page:
- Air quality
- Energy and climate change
- Noise
- Resource use and recycling
- Wildlife and habitats
- Good business practices
Air quality
Ground-based transport is a source of air pollution. We are working to cut polluting emissions and to deliver the requirements of the Mayor's Air Quality Strategy.
Fitting particulate filters on bus exhausts resulted in a cut of more than 90 per cent in fine particles and carbon monoxide emissions.
Find out more about how we are tackling air quality:
- Low emission zone
- Barclays Cycle Hire Scheme
- Barclays Cycle Superhighways
- Bus emissions
- Taxi emissions compliance
- Tramlink key facts
- Hydrogen vehicles
Energy and climate change
We are helping to deliver the Mayor's commitment to a 60 per cent reduction of CO2 emissions by 2025 (from 1990 levels) by promoting sustainable travel, running vehicles more efficiently and using greener vehicles and fuels.
We are adapting our services to the impacts of a changing climate with flood management plans, the tunnel cooling programme and changing bus specifications.
We are investing in diesel-electric hybrid buses that deliver around 40 per cent CO2 savings, fewer air emissions and are quieter.
Find out more about how we are tackling energy and climate change:
- Climate Change factsheet
- Smarter driving and Workplace travel planning
- London Underground's (LU's) carbon footprint (PDF 4.0MB)
- Hybrid buses
- Low carbon taxi development programme
Noise
One of our objectives is to manage and try to reduce transport-related noise. We do this by promoting smoother driving, the use of quieter vehicles and reducing the noise impact of operations.
Resource use and recycling
We monitor and aim to reduce the waste produced from our operations, construction and the public transport modes, along with increasing the proportion recycled.
We are committed to purchasing goods and services that have lower negative impacts and deliver environmental and social benefits where possible.
London Underground works with contractors to sort and recycle more than 73 per cent of newspapers, plastics, cardboard and cans from stations.
Find out more about the Green Procurement Code and Responsible Procurement Policy.
Wildlife and habitats
Although the Tube is often associated with underground tunnels, more than half of the transport network is above ground. The 4,000 hectares of land surrounding the Tube's rail tracks acts as a safe haven for a huge variety of wildlife, including bats, badgers, reptiles and water voles.
We are working to protect and enhance the biodiversity of our track and highway verges, including street trees.
We have a Green Estate management plan for our road network which comprises a Tree Strategy, Landscape Management Plan and a Biodiversity Action Plan.
Around 550 plant species, 42 bird species, 14 mammals, 538 invertebrate species, three reptile species and three amphibian species have been recorded on our land.
As well as protecting wildlife habitats and heritage areas, we aim to improve urban areas, making them as attractive as possible.
Read more in the London Underground Biodiversity Action Plan.
Good business practices
We need to know exactly how our work affects the environment. That's why we always evaluate the environmental impact of all of our construction, large-scale maintenance and upgrade projects.
We also support efforts by our staff to reduce environmental impacts through a series of in-house campaigns.
Freight
London's Freight Plan deals with environmental management and sustainability for the Capital's freight industry.
The Freight Operators Recognition Scheme encourges operators to become safer, smarter and more efficient.
We welcome delivery and servicing plans that protect the environment from developers and businesses alike.
In 2009/2010, 24 per cent of electricity consumed across TfL came from low carbon and renewable sources purchased through green tariff and Good Quality CHP contracts.
Find out more about how we are promoting good business practices:
