The UIC Sustainability Impact Awards are back for their latest edition, and UIC members are invited to showcase their most innovative and impactful sustainability projects. These awards have become a benchmark for excellence in sustainable rail practices, with the 2024 edition setting the bar high, as applications were received from 12 countries across four continents, with 17 projects shortlisted for their outstanding contributions. The awards ceremony saw more than 100 participants in attendance, creating an atmosphere of collaboration and celebration that reflected the sector’s shared commitment to a greener future.
In 2026, the awards will return to the global stage in September, again hosted by our platinum sponsor, Alstom, at their InnoTrans booth. The evening will offer a unique opportunity to highlight projects that are driving real change. And this year brings something new: the Green Communications Campaign Award. Why? Because sustainability is not only about technology, but also about telling the story. The rail industry has incredible achievements, but they too often remain unheard. Therefore, this category will honour campaigns that use creativity and transparency to make sustainability visible.
Alongside this new category, the awards will continue to honour projects across key areas such as Accessibility, Diversity and inclusion, Climate-change adaptation and resilience, Energy and decarbonisation, Natural resources, Modal shift, Healthy cities and communities, and Seamless connectivity. Each category reflects the industry’s commitment to creating an inclusive, resilient, and environmentally responsible transport system.
Applications open on 19 January 2026 and close on 27 February 2026. All UIC members are invited to submit their most impactful projects from between May 2024 and February 2026 through the online application form available at: uic.org/event/uic-sustainability-awards. Submissions will be evaluated based on their impact on the Sustainable Development Goals, demonstrable and quantifiable results, engagement with staff and communities, and their potential for longevity, scalability, and replicability.
A jury of experts with a range of backgrounds and high levels of experience will guide the selection process, ensuring that the awards highlight the most forward-thinking initiatives in the industry. Jury president, Lucie Anderton, UIC Director for Sustainability said, “I can’t wait to see the nominations for this edition as railway organisations never fail to impress me with the creative and exciting projects they submit!”
UIC also warmly thanks Alstom, the platinum sponsor of the awards, for its continued support in making this event possible, and is delighted to continue working alongside the Sustainable Development Foundation, whose partnership is key to the success of these awards.
If you have a project that is shaping the future of sustainable rail, now is the time to share it: uic.org/event/uic-sustainability-awards