RSSB. Enhancing value to society and sustainability.
Building a sustainable future for rail
Reducing emissions, protecting the environment, and enhancing social impact.
Ben Warren, Emissions Principal, RSSB
As we grapple with climate change and the need for greener solutions, the rail industry has a critical role to play. We can help by reducing emissions, protecting the natural environment, and promoting social sustainability.
Rail is a small contributor to national emissions, but reducing these is crucial. Doing so will likely help attract new customers and freight to rail, which is vital for the country to reach net zero. Our sustainability, research, and standards teams have been working diligently to address this challenge, and there are some significant projects that stand out.
We’ve examined the feasibility and safety implications of extending the DC conductor rail network, as increased electrification offers one possible way to reduce emissions. This research has laid the groundwork for activity at Network Rail and South Western Railway, and they are now developing a new project using our findings.
We’ve also looked into ‘smart’ management of traction electricity, which involves optimising energy supply and demand to ensure that the network uses its existing resources efficiently. As battery trains are introduced to the network, it is important to understand this issue. This approach not only reduces emissions but will prove cost effective in the long run.
We are now building on this previous research. In collaboration with the University of Birmingham and industry stakeholders, we are setting up a follow-on project to enable us to identify specific technical requirements. We have worked with organisations across the industry to develop this project, including Network Rail, First Group, LNER, and train manufacturers.
Our standards experts are also helping prepare for widespread use of batteries. In particular, we are developing standards for large traction batteries, which will enable electrification even in parts of the network where electrification is not feasible. We’ve also developed standards to optimise the use of multi-mode trains.
Freight is a key part of our sustainability research, too, and our experts are examining opportunities to revise sectional running times for freight. This would enable new freight routes, which could in turn reduce journey times and carbon emissions. The aim is to make rail freight more attractive to customers and help meet the government's freight growth target.
Sustainability isn't only about emissions, however. Rail is the most environmentally friendly mode of mass transport, and that’s a position we need to maintain. This will mean minimising the impact of rail on the environment.
As part of this, we’ve produced metrics for water and zero waste, and we’ve published guidance about improving air quality and reducing noise. And, with industry involvement, we’ve given dance on which climate change scenarios industry should use.
Social sustainability, which involves improving the impacts the rail industry has on society, is another crucial aspect of our efforts. For instance, we’ve been working with school students to increase their awareness of rail as an industry they could work in. We’ve also worked with young people to improve their skills for employment in rail. Schemes like this are particularly important, as they improve social mobility.
We’ve also helped the Railway Mission calculate the social value it generates each year by supporting rail employees. In addition, we’re looking to see where and how we can collaborate with the social housing sector, as rail stations are often near to social housing. Joint action on our shared concerns will multiply the social value that rail and Housing Associations can deliver.
By including social sustainability in our actions, we can ensure that rail transport contributes positively to society.
Sustainability for rail is about more than just cutting emission; it encompasses protecting the natural environment and ensuring social benefits as well. While the sustainability team coordinates the work, the contributions of our research, standards, and health and wellbeing teams are vital. This collaboration shows our commitment to making rail transport more sustainable. And by continuing to innovate and work together, the rail industry can create a greener, more sustainable future for all.
The Sustainable Rail Executive, chaired by Richard Allen (MD of Chiltern Railways and RSSB Board member), plays a pivotal role. It brings the industry together to tackle sustainability challenges collaboratively. There are also many working groups, so if you are not already involved, we encourage you to get in touch and contribute.
