Transport for LondonEnvironment
Cooling the Tube
On the Circle, District, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines we are introducing air conditioning on trains. This is possible because these lines operate largely above ground and their tunnels are both larger and closer to the surface than on other lines. Heat generated as a by-product of air conditioning can then escape.
In deeper (and smaller) tube tunnels that heat is trapped. Air conditioning would cool carriages, but make platforms and tunnels even hotter.
We are looking at different approaches to cooling such as lighter, more energy-efficient trains. This would reduce the heat input to the tunnels and allow us to use air-conditioning.
For now a variety of ventilation methods are removing heat from the network, improving air flow and comfort levels for passengers.
We are upgrading the mid-tunnel ventilation fans between stations on the Victoria line so that twice as much fresh air will be drawn in and twice as much warm air expelled. We also install large portable fans at key locations each summer.
Environmental performance
We are committed to improving environmental performance across all areas of the business.
- LU's Carbon Footprint 2008 (PDF 4MB)
- Environment Strategy 2008-2013 (PDF 2.97MB)
- LU Biodiversity Action Plan - 2010 (PDF 4.4MB)
- LU Environment Report - 2008 (PDF 1.24MB)
- Environmental Report 2007 (PDF 3MB)
- Environmental Report 2006 (PDF 2.04MB)
- Environmental Report 2005 (PDF 1MB)
- Environmental Report 2004 (PDF 634KB)
- Environmental Report 2003 (PDF 495KB)
- Environmental Report 2002 (PDF 384KB)
- Environmental Report 2001 (PDF 245KB)
The London Underground Environment Report is now included in the Transport for London Environment Report.
