Rail (Passenger Transport)

Achieving net zero carbon rail

The ambitious target of achieving net zero by 2050 serves a transformative opportunity for the rail sector to pioneer sustainable practices and contribute significantly to the nation’s climate goals. The industry’s carbon footprint can be significantly reduced by investing in renewable energy sources, such as electrification and alternatively powered trains. Collaboration with government initiatives and private stakeholders may provide funding and expertise, fostering a holistic approach to decarbonisation.

Furthermore, this challenge of achieving net zero carbon rail serves as a catalyst for research and development, encouraging the industry to take the lead in innovative solutions that can be exported globally. In addition to promoting environmental stewardship, this will also position the UK railway at the forefront of sustainable, low-carbon emission transportation, contributing to a greener future.

Rail infrastructure

There are many challenges associated with operating and maintaining the world’s oldest railway system. Infrastructure and assets need to be modernised, including, for example, upgrading tracks, bridges and signalling systems. This will lay the groundwork for improved safety and set the stage to use advanced technologies.

Adopting digital solutions like the Internet of things (IoT) will enable real-time data transmission, through which monitoring parameters such as speed, pressure, and temperature can be analysed to examine any defects.

Initiatives such as electrification and the adoption of high-speed rail not only reduce the carbon footprint, but also fortify rail’s position as the most sustainable mode of transport.

Collaborating with technology providers, engaging local communities, creating jobs, and providing economic stimulus, can all be part of successful infrastructure renewal.

Extreme weather conditions

The industry is preparing for a changing climate by working collaboratively across the sector to develop strategic plans for managing future climate conditions. Flooding, landslips, and objects blown onto the track are all worsened by the extreme weather climate change causes. Investing in weather resilient technologies such as advanced signalling systems and weather monitoring devices can mitigate the disruption they cause. Predictive analytics and real-time data monitoring enable proactive response strategies, minimising downtime and ensuring passenger safety.

Moreover, collaborating with meteorological agencies, research institutions, and technology companies can further strengthen the industry’s capacity to navigate extreme weather challenges.

The UK rail system is an integral part of the nation’s transportation network. Its commitment to environmental sustainability is driving demand for various environment and sustainability roles. These roles could include:

• Carbon Data Analyst
• Carbon Reduction Manager
• Sustainability Supply Chain Specialist
• Environmental Engineer
• Utility Manager
• Biodiversity and Ecology Specialist
• Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
• Stakeholder Manager

These rail sector roles, and others like them, make a real and important contribution to the environment, sustainability, and climate change resilience. There is a growing need to raise awareness and communicate their importance in helping us reach our net zero and biodiversity goals. Many soft skills are transferable between conventional and sustainability roles, for example problem-solving and communication. Environmental issues are dynamic, and there are no standard procedures for handling each new situation that arises.

There are an increasing number of dedicated environment teams, usually a small group of experts that collaborate with many different parties and influence the wider business. In addition, as an example, Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) has an enthusiastic collective of employee volunteers who have received training in environmental awareness. They act as eyes and ears on the ground, looking and listening for environmental issues and communicating good practices to their colleagues.

Beyond transferable skills, within the rail sector new, specialised knowledge is emerging. Examples of this could be:

• Climate resilience planning
• Data analytics for carbon accounting
• Sustainable procurement methodologies
• Life cycle assessment
• Chemistry skills for innovative energy fuels and storage solutions
• Competence in assessing the environmental impact and nuisance
• Knowledge of regulations and policies related to the environment and sustainability
• Knowledge of ecology and biodiversity

These skills and roles are not just jobs. They are crucial components of a collective effort to build a railway system that is more resilient and environmentally conscious. Thus, whether you work in sales and commerce, project management, engineering, or another field, your role contributes significantly to shaping the future of sustainable rail. It’s an opportunity to take part in a transformative journey rather than simply a career.

1. The Sustainable Rail Blueprint 
2. GOV.UK – Great British Railways: Williams-Shapps plan for rail 
3. Corporate and Social Responsibility at Southern Railway
4. Corporate and Social Responsibility at Gatwick Express
5. Corporate and Social Responsibility at Thameslink Railway
6. Corporate and Social Responsibility at Great Northern