Sustainability

Our commitment to the environment

Trams are considered to one of the most ecologically sound means of public transport; moving large numbers of people, easing congestion on roads and reducing air pollution.

At Yarra Trams, our aim is a sustainable transport system, which delivers a positive contribution to the environment, community and the economy.

In order to achieve continual improvement in the way we manage our impacts on the environment, we have developed and implemented an environmental management system which is certified to ISO14001 standard.

Another key initiative is the Greendepot program:

Yarra Trams has implemented the greendepot® program at its East Preston, Malvern, Glenhuntly and Brunswick Tram Depots, saving a combined 6.6 million litres of water each year. .

The greendepot® initiative comprises the following:

• Installation of rainwater tanks - rainwater stored is used for washing trams
• Waterless urinals and water saving toilet cisterns
• Installation of flow restrictors on all taps and showerheads - reducing the flow rate from approximately 32 litres per minute to four litres per minute
• Fully segregated waste disposal focuses on recycling and waste minimisation
• Collection and recycling of tram sand
• Waterless urinals and water saving toilet cisterns
• Raingarden using recycled tram sand to filter contaminants from the car park
• Worm farms to reduce food waste
• Rezoning lights in the running shed and reconfiguring light switches across the depot to reduce energy
• Staff environmental awareness program.