Rail industry signals new approach to sustainability

There is a huge opportunity for the rail sector to develop a much more compelling case for sustainability within the industry. This is the conclusion of recent work initiated by Forum for the Future (1), the UK’s leading sustainable development charity, and involving numerous senior rail stakeholders.

The rail sector can play a powerful role in mitigating the negative impacts of current transport systems, but it will have to improve its own environmental, social and economic performance if it is to be a key sustainable transport solution in the future. Aviation and private car use are currently taking the brunt of the sustainability critique, but are also starting to respond at both company and sectoral level. Rail currently has a relatively better sustainability profile than most other transport modes, but this position could be eroded, leaving the sector vulnerable to future challenges.

Following the publication of Forum for the Future's report ‘Analysing the Business Case for Sustainable Rail’ (2) the charity's Founder Director Jonathon Porritt recently led a ‘Sustainability Masterclass’ for key individuals from across the whole rail sector.

This event, hosted by Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) (3), demonstrated that there is a large degree of consensus within the industry about the need for a clearer sectoral strategy that will help both mitigate risks, and make the most of opportunities. With social and environmental issues moving sharply up the agenda of business, government, and increasingly the general public, there is a clear need for the rail sector to show how it is contributing to the wider societal push for sustainability.

Areas for action include:

· The development of a suite of sustainability metrics against which the sector’s performance can be measured· Embedding the correct incentive regimes (for example within franchises, access charges) that will drive more sustainable practices· Ensuring that the Department for Transport’s upcoming long term strategy and High Level Output Specification for rail create an enabling environment for action on sustainability.

As an initial response, the RSSB has published ‘The rail industry - a way forward on sustainable development’ (4) and hosts a regular Rail Sustainable Development Group (5) which has commenced work towards a long-term Rail Sustainable Development Strategy.

Commenting on these recent developments Jonathon Porritt stated: “Ten years of partnership work at Forum for the Future has clearly shown us that the successful companies and sectors of the future will be those that really get to grips with sustainability risks and opportunities. On climate change alone, the writing is on the wall: regulatory constraints and rising oil prices will gradually, but remorselessly, undermine those companies that are in denial, and reward those that are making intelligent and strategic choices about their use of energy. That’s why it’s so encouraging to see the rail sector beginning to piece together a sectoral sustainability strategy. Compared to other sectors it has some catching up to do, so we look forward to watching it take shape.”

Len Porter, Chief Executive of Rail Safety and Standards Board said: “The rail industry shares a common purpose in its drive towards increased reliability and availability of the rail system whilst seeking to continuously improve socially acceptable and reasonably practicable levels of safety, health and environmental performance. These are the very basic principles of sustainable development, which seeks to retain a holistic view and maintain cost, performance and risk in balance and is very much a primary RSSB objective. RSSB has gained considerably from working alongside Forum for the Future, who helped us to explore the issues, and supported our engagement with stakeholders from around the rail industry.”

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Notes to Editor

Forum for the Future contact:Imogen Martineau:i.Martineau@forumforthefuture.org.uk020 7324 363107944 401111

Rail Safety and Standards Board contact:Press office, on 020 7904 7524/5 or pressoffice@rssb.co.uk

1. Forum for the Future is a leading UK charity, which works in partnership with business, the public sector and others, to build a sustainable future. We work with more than 150 partner organisations to help find practical solutions to the challenges of sustainable development.

2. To download the report visit: http://www.forumforthefuture.org.uk/news/ontrack_page310.aspx

3. In an industry with multiple stakeholders, Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) builds industry-wide consensus and facilitates the resolution of difficult cross-industry issues. RSSB provides knowledge, analysis, a substantial level of technical expertise, powerful information and risk management tools. www.rssb.co.uk

4. To download the report visit: http://www.rssb.co.uk/sustainable-development.htm

5. The Rail Sustainable Development Group (RSDG) involves representatives from the rail industry and government. The purpose of the RSDG is to build consensus across all stakeholders on the way forward with respect to sustainable development for the railway in Great Britain. For further information on the group, please contact Joanne Gilligan, RSSB Sustainable Development Coordinator: Joanna.Gilligan@rssb.co.uk