Scotland’s Railway, a partnership between Network Rail and ScotRail, has announced a comprehensive Climate Action Plan outlining its commitment to significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions across the network over the next five years (2024-2029).
The plan focuses on five key areas: climate readiness, net zero, environmental management, biodiversity, and social value. Its overarching vision is to deliver a greener, more resilient, and responsible railway for a sustainable future in Scotland.
The plan tackles emissions from various sources, including the road fleet, heating buildings, and energy purchases. It sets an ambitious target of reducing these emissions by 65% by 2029. Additionally, the plan aims to enhance 500 hectares of land (over 1,235 acres) within and beyond the railway network through strategic partnerships. This will contribute to a 4% increase in biodiversity on railway land.
Liam Sumpter, managing director, Network Rail Scotland, said: “We’re feeling the impact and the need to adapt to climate change more than ever on Scotland’s Railway. Extreme weather is impacting passengers, freight customers and communities more frequently than ever.
“We’ve developed this plan for the next five years, aiming to serve Scotland – now and in the future – with a greener, more resilient and responsible railway.
“Everyone in Scotland’s Railway and beyond needs to take action and together I’m confident we can make a difference, while making this the greenest railway Scotland’s ever had.”
Joanne Maguire, ScotRail Managing Director, said: “Our vision is to deliver a safe, sustainable, inclusive, and accessible railway for Scotland.
“Taking climate action is one of our priorities and we’re making great progress through the decarbonisation of the network, identifying ways to eliminate fossil fuel use, increasing energy efficiency, and deploying renewable energy sources in our buildings.”
The plan acknowledges the current and projected effects of climate change on Scotland’s Railway, including increased disruptions caused by heavy rainfall and extreme temperatures.
Significantly, the Climate Action Plan builds upon previously published climate adaptation objectives. These allocate over £400 million to improve the network’s resilience against extreme weather events and future climate changes. This investment includes strengthening earthworks, lineside infrastructure (including drainage), and structures like bridges and tunnels.
By prioritising climate readiness, Scotland’s Railway will be better equipped to handle changes in the Scottish climate. The plan includes ongoing assessments of climate risks to identify and manage future needs. Additionally, route-specific climate adaptation plans will be developed for areas most vulnerable to climate change impacts.
Beyond reducing emissions, the plan outlines initiatives to improve air quality at stations, tunnels, and maintenance facilities. It also emphasises waste reduction through reuse and recycling strategies.
The commitment extends to biodiversity – Scotland’s Railway aims to enhance existing habitats and create new ones, allowing nature and the railway to coexist in harmony. The plan also seeks to increase staff volunteerism and foster stronger community engagement through partnerships with charities.
This Climate Action Plan aligns with the Scottish Government’s ambitious target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2045. It sets clear objectives for the next five years, ensuring Scotland’s Railway remains on track to meet this crucial milestone.
The full Climate Action Plan can be accessed at: https://scotlandsrailway.com/assets/site/Climate-Action-Plan/Network-Rail-Scotland-Climate-Action-Plan-2024.pdf
