Stib sees 5% gain in energy efficiency

Brussels public transport operator saw a 5% improvement in its energy performance over the past two years, well above the target of 1.9% per year, as agreed with the region, new figures have revealed.

“Energy performance is calculated on the basis of final consumption (electricity, gas, fuel oil) relative to passenger-kilometres for buses, trams and metros, and relative to square metres for buildings,” said Stib spokeswoman Cindy Arents.

The improvement in performance is due to gains made in both buildings and rolling stock.

The energy performance of infrastructure improved by 3.42% over the period, notably thanks to better regulation of heating systems and increased monitoring of electricity consumption.

As for the fleet, the arrival of new M7 metro trains, next-generation TNG trams and electric buses has led to a 5.67% improvement in vehicle energy efficiency.

The electrification of buses is the main driver of progress, with a 10.4% improvement in this specific segment. Staff training in eco-driving has also helped to reduce energy consumption.

The announcement of these latest gains comes just ahead of Earth Hour, the WWF’s annual initiative to raise awareness about the climate crisis, in which Stib will participate.

As famous landmarks around Belgium and in Europe go dark for an hour on Saturday 28 March at 20.30, Stib will dim the lights in 16 of its 69 metro and pre-metro stations. For safety reasons, the lights cannot be completely turned off.

The initiative, which Stib has taken part in since 2009, saves approximately 376 kWh of electricity, comparable to the monthly consumption of one Brussels household.

Outside of Earth Hour, Stib has also been tackling the energy efficiency of its lighting systems. Park and Osseghem stations, among others, were fitted with LED lighting last year, with Delta station to follow later this year. By 2027, Stib aims to have fitted 74% of stations with LED lighting.

Stib is also committed to sustainable energy through a contract for local wind energy, which has covered about a fifth of the company’s electricity needs.