Newcastle-based operator Lumo has been named “Green Innovation Business of the Year” at the North East Chamber of Commerce Awards.
Lumo provides a 100% electric rail service, connecting Newcastle with London and Edinburgh along the East Coast Main Line, offering a service which it claims is 25 times greener and cleaner than flying.
Lumo also became the first long-distance train company to eradicate plastic bottles onboard when it introduced a sustainable carton alternative for water earlier this year.
Martijn Gilbert, Managing Director at Lumo, said:
“We’re proud to set new standards in sustainability.”
“From our popular on-board menus offering plant-based products, eradicating plastic bottles onboard to our commitment to the development of colleagues and encouraging customers to take the train over plane or car, we’re delighted to be recognised with this award.”
Meanwhile, Lumo has also achieved industry-leading customer satisfaction scores from customers, and boasts a workforce of over 90% of colleagues who joined the company through an apprenticeship.
Lumo uses spare capacity on the East Coast Main Line as an open-access rail operator, offering enhanced choice for carbon-conscious customers.
Lumo’s headquarters in Newcastle’s Central Square South is also in the top 10% of sustainable, new non-domestic buildings in the UK, with its eco-office operating entirely paper-free.
Lumo is currently in the process of expanding its network beyond the East Coast Main Line. The operator recently extended some of its Edinburgh-bound services to Glasgow and announced plans to commence services on a new route between London, Manchester and Rochdale.
These latest proposals are under review by the rail regulator.
Image credit: North East Chamber of Commerce
