Over half of the Group’s carbon emissions result from rail traction electricity. It was therefore a significant achievement when in 2008 Southern and Southeastern became the first rail operators to introduce regenerative braking on the third rail system*. This saves energy by capturing electricity through braking and returning it to the rail network. In addition, coasting boards and eco-driver training will help further reduce energy consumption across our rail operations.

• *The third rail or conductor rail is the electrical system by which some trains draw their power. This system is mainly found in the South of England.

2009 Southern results*:

5% reduction in electricity traction consumption.

• *Results are for Southern only as Southeastern currently have a small proportion, around 5%, of fleet fitted with regenerative braking. 65% of Southern’s fleet is now fitted with regenerative braking. The number of trains fitted with the braking technology will continue to increase across both franchises next financial year, futher reducing electricity traction consumption.

2009 savings:

• £1.3 million cost saving
• 10,740 CO₂ tonnes. Equivalent to annual emissions from 2,000 households.