This year, we delivered a £3 million programme of sustainability and energy-efficiency improvements across the Avanti network, focused on reducing energy use, modernising our estate and supporting our net zero 2035 ambitions. 

Key upgrades included LED lighting at Birmingham International and Coventry, improving safety, customer experience and energy efficiency through smarter controls and reduced maintenance requirements. 

We also introduced voltage optimisation at Carlisle, Rugby and Stoke. This technology uses a transformer unit installed at the point of electricity supply to reduce incoming mains voltage, often higher than required, to a more efficient level. By doing so, it cuts energy waste, stabilises power supply and helps extend the lifespan of electrical equipment. Early results at Carlisle show annual savings of around 35,900 kWh and 6.35 tCO₂e, with a payback period of approximately 2.5 years. 

At Crewe, we installed a first-of-its-kind air source heat pump retrofit on the UK rail network, replacing a gas boiler and demonstrating how low-carbon heating can be integrated into existing infrastructure. The project is expected to save 6.29 tCO₂e annually and inform future schemes. 

Further improvements at Carlisle and Preston, including upgraded heating controls and insulation, are reducing wasted energy and improving comfort at two of our highest gas-consuming stations. 

Together, these initiatives demonstrate clear, measurable progress against our sustainability goals, with further upgrades planned as we continue to accelerate towards net zero.