UK: A ‘pioneering’ approach to rail project delivery by the South Rail Systems Alliance achieved a 42% reduction in carbon emissions during a two-week possession.
The works at Stoke Gifford near Bristol Parkway involved two plain-line track renewal blockades, totalling 1 418 m of track, alongside overhead line adjustments and panning.
The Alliance of Colas Rail UK (construction), Aecom (design) and infrastructure manager Network Rail established a ‘green site’ by sourcing sustainable fuels, materials and facilities. It used rail produced from scrap using an electric arc furnace, and low carbon concrete sleepers. Battery-powered tools were employed throughout the site to further support the low-emission strategy.
The road-rail vehicles supplied by AP Webb and Colas Rail’s tamper fleet were fuelled using hydrotreated vegetable oil instead of diesel. Solar-powered welfare units from SolGen were also used
| Carbon savings tonnes | |
|---|---|
| Green Rail | 241 |
| low-carbon concrete sleepers | 110 |
| HVO fuel | 34·8 |
| Solar power | 8·8 |
| Total | 395 |
‘Delivering this scheme successfully, on time and without incident while using sustainable materials and tools is a proof of concept that we can take a big step in our journey towards a net zero railway’, said Colas Rail UK Project Director Shaun Hodges on August 7. ‘Engaging our trusted on track plant supply chain, tools and material suppliers to join us on this trial and embrace these greener methods were crucial in helping us reduce our carbon emissions substantially.’
