Newcastle-based train operator promotes eco-friendly travel

Lumo, based in Newcastle, has partnered with Marka, the UK’s first standardised sustainability rating for the hospitality industry.

The aim is to enhance transparency regarding Lumo’s sustainability initiatives and encourage the wider travel and hospitality sectors to adopt greener practices.

Lumo’s current sustainability measures include a 100 per cent electric fleet, paperless ticketing, the replacement of plastic bottles with sustainable alternatives, and a 50 per cent plant-based menu.

The partnership with Marka will help Lumo identify areas for further innovation and foster a broader discussion on sustainable practices.

Martijn Gilbert, managing director at Lumo, said: “Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at Lumo.

“As the UK’s first all-electric rail company, we embrace partnerships that help to drive even greener travel and enhanced customer experiences.

“We’re thrilled to be working together with Marka to ensure we remain a leader in sustainable travel.”

Marka, also based in the North East, promotes ‘sustainable practices in hospitality and provides standardised sustainability ratings for the industry’.

Chiara Wilson, operational director at Marka, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with Lumo trains to showcase their onboard sustainability to customers.

“Being able to work with the only train operator based in Newcastle is a huge opportunity to spread the message of cultural, social and environmental sustainability to people of the region and beyond.

“We’re excited to see where the partnership will lead and we are enthusiastic about the positive change we can bring to the sector.”

Lumo’s ‘eco-friendly’ approach extends to its operations, with a paper-free office ranked among the top 10 per cent of the most sustainable new non-domestic buildings in the UK.

In 2024, Lumo was recognised as the ‘Green Innovation Business of the Year’ at the North East Chamber of Commerce Business Awards and was also honoured at the Institute of Supply Chain Management’s Supply Chain Awards for its ‘Commitment to Reducing Carbon Emissions’.