Adapting to Climate Change: Building a Resilient Railway Future Climate change presents unprecedented challenges and opportunities for the global railway sector
ExploreThe UIC report, “Carbon Footprint of Rail Infrastructure”, analyses the main existing reports and methodologies in the field and provides guidelines, recommenda
ExploreUIC is an internationally-accredited Non-Governmental Organisation in consultative relations with the United Nations since 1950 and was elevated to a special st
ExploreRail Sustainability Index project The Rail Sustainability Index (RSi) is a new tool being designed for and with the global rail community. The previously named
ExploreUIC Leaflet 330 Rail offers sustainable transport solutions and UIC Leaflet 330 “Railway specific environmental performance indicators” enables the sector – as
ExploreMaking railway greener, quieter and more energy efficient.
Railway has a central role to play in decarbonising transport.
As the cleanest and greenest high-volume transport, rail has an essential role in creating sustainable lifestyles and economies. While representing 8% of global passenger and freight transport activity (in passenger km/tonne km), railway represents only 2% of the transport sector emissions. Global Green House gas emissions from transport are continuing to rise, accounting for 14% of all emissions in 2018. Rail is bucking this trend and has been the only mode to actually reduce its emissions, down by 2% between 2000 and 2018. Transport demand is expected to double in the same time we have to decarbonise, before 2050. It is clear that today’s challenges can only be met with rail as the backbone of a seamlessly connected sustainable mobility system. Rail is a central pillar to transformative climate action in transport. It is the fastest and most cost-efficient way to decarbonise people’s daily mobility and logistics chains. Unleashing the full benefits of rail for decarbonisation, will be key to significantly cutting emissions from the transport sector in line with the Paris Agreement.
Rail networks are frugal by design:
Climate change is not the only global sustainability issue that rail can help solve. The railway sector indeed plays an important societal role in relation with the ecosystem and biodiversity, both in urban and rural areas.
By 2050, railway infrastructure should be an integral part of the natural landscape and therefore should become a “green network” connecting biotopes, enabling species migration and providing diverse habitats for many different species. UIC is working on other key issues, such as the promotion of the sustainable use of resources (ballast, concrete, steel, water etc.), the reduction of external costs by means of careful monitoring and controlling methods of noise and vibration, sustainable land use, and of airborne particulate matter, in order to help the railways to contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Our vision:
A railway that supports a green recovery as the backbone of sustainable mobility. Connectivity that contributes to healthy and sustainable lifestyles and economies on every continent – that is zero emissions, a community hub, accessible for all, and is both biodiverse and a good neighbour.
UIC and its members work together to shine a light on how rail can be part of the solution to the challenge of sustainable development as well as find solutions to make our railways even cleaner, greener and quieter. The Sustainability Platform focuses on 5 main environmental sustainability topics.
Our Sectors:
The UIC Sustainability Platform, meet in plenary twice a year and is currently chaired by Christine Vannoppen (LINEAS). The platform works with a steering committee to provide direction. To get involved contact Sustainability Unit.
The sustainability platform connects with other UIC departments such as the Freight, Passenger and Rail System departments on the above and other sustainability topics including Sustainable Procurement, sustainable finance, inclusive stations, alternative fuels, and climate change adaptation.
New in 2021, a new taskforce formed as part of the platform, with member representation from all around the world. For any further information please contact Sustainability Unit.
The taskforce purpose is:
The UIC Sustainability Unit is the support secretariate for the Sustainability Platform. We consider it our mission to help empower the global railway community to be a driving force in a greener future through collaborative knowledge and advocacy. For any further information please contact Sustainability Unit.
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View Sustainable Development: Making railways greener, quieter and more energy efficient
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View 2024_global_rail_sustainability_report_v3.pdf
