Network Rail signs declaration in pledge to make rail travel greener

The International Union of Railways (UIC) Climate Declaration sets out a pledge for members to communicate their support and ambition and brings together a global community of sustainability leaders working collaboratively to cut carbon emissions and make rail travel greener.

In becoming the latest signatory, Network Rail has committed to reducing energy consumption and CO₂ emissions, achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a set of 17 interlinked global goals designed to be a ‘blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all’.

This pledge follows a clear signal of Network Rail’s green ambitions in October 2020, when it became the first railway in the world to commit to the most stretching science-based targets for reducing carbon.

Martin Frobisher OBE, Director of Safety, Technical and Engineering at Network Rail, said: “We’re delighted to be joining a number of like-minded organisations from around the world in committing to the UIC Climate Declaration. It’s a great opportunity to work alongside international partners, share best practice and work collaboratively towards the common goal of decarbonising rail. We’re making terrific progress and of course, rail has good credentials as an emissions-friendly form of mass transport, but there is still a lot more we have to do in the coming years to leave a positive environmental legacy for future generations and enable rail to playing a leading role in driving green economic growth.”

François Davenne, Director General of the UIC, said: “With 2021 marking the UIC’s centenary, the commitment of our members to the UIC pledge becomes increasingly important and structured. Network Rail is one of the most innovative infrastructure managers and will give its full commitment to this process.
I am struck by the fact that among our members there is an increasingly strong sense of urgency. As we know, we have 10 years to demonstrate that rail is the solution to implement a paradigm shift for a low-carbon transport sector.”

UK Rail Minister, Chris Heaton-Harris, said: “Cleaner, greener railways will be an integral part of delivering a net-zero transport network by 2050. I am proud to see Network Rail working internationally to share expertise and innovation and ensure that the UK continues to be a world leader with our work towards carbon reduction.”

This latest commitment follows the launch of Network Rail’s ambitious Environmental Sustainability Strategy, which provides a clear path toward becoming carbon neutral by 2050 in line with UK government targets. This strategy sets out the company’s main priorities: Run a low-emission railway, provide a reliable service to passengers that is resilient to climate change, improve biodiversity across the network, and ensure sustainable use of materials with minimal waste.

Alongside these commitments and strategies, Network Rail has led a cross-industry initiative, working collaboratively to assess the relevant issues and options and advise the UK government on setting the future direction of rail travel. This includes recommending a steady transition of the remaining diesel trains to electric, battery and hydrogen fuel cells in the Interim Traction Decarbonisation Network Strategy published in 2020. A final business case is expected to be published in the coming months.