Energy consumption per passenger declining

It is VR’s goal to reduce energy consumption per passenger by 20% by 2012. In 2008 energy consumption was 117 Wh per passenger-kilometre, a decline of some 5% from the previous year.

VR is reducing energy consumption in many ways.

• The energy efficiency of rail services improves as the proportion of electric traction increases. In 2008 electric traction accounted for 83% of all rail services in Finland.

• VR improves energy efficiency by increasing train filling rates and raising the axle weights of wagons.

• New electric trains convert some of the kinetic energy into electricity when braking, and return this electricity to the supply network.

• Smoothly running services and optimized shunting operations reduce energy consumption.

• Ecofriendly driving can reduce energy consumption in rail services by up to 15%. In autumn 2008 VR launched a programme for training locomotive drivers in energy-saving driving styles. Training on proactive driving is already an integral part of VR’s road services.

• VR Group has joined the Energy Efficiency Agreement for public transport and freight transport. The aim is to achieve energy savings of 1% per year up 2016.

• The VR Group’s Real Estate Unit has launched its own long-term energy project, aiming to reduce energy consumption in properties with the highest electricity and heat consumption.