Network Rail is set to meet its green ambitions as more than two-thirds of its supply chain has signed up to its Science Based Targets initiative.
A total of 67% of suppliers have joined the initiative which sets out a pathway to a better, greener railway for Britain.
Science Based Targets form an essential component of Network Rail’s comprehensive Environmental Sustainability Strategy.
Network Rail is the worlds first railways infrastructure to adopt Science Based Targets to such an ambitious level.
Around 97% of Network Rail’s emissions are within ‘scope three’ which means they are largely caused by third parties including suppliers.
To combat this Network Rail aims to have 75% of its suppliers create their own science-based targets by 2025.
This recent announcement from Network Rails Commercial & Procurement (C&P) shows this target is already in sight.
Clive Berrington, Network Rail’s Group Commercial and Procurement spoke on the importance of the Environmental Sustainability Strategy.
Mr Berrington said: “As a country, we know that climate change needs to be addressed by reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.
“This will leave a positive legacy for future generations and help make our industry fit for the future.
“Rail is already a very environmentally friendly way to travel.
“However, we can do more and need our suppliers' help to become an industry powered by renewable energy.
“It's great that our supply chain is rising to this challenge.
“We look forward to more companies signing up to science-based targets in future.”
The C&P supplier management team has worked with transport industry partners to deliver workshops showing the benefits of science-based targets.
Four workshops have been delivered so far with each being attended by over 350 people from the transport sector and supply chain.
Rupa Bhatt, Strategic Supplier Manager for Network Rail spoke on the workshops saying: “It’s been great to see our suppliers showing such positive support for this initiative.
“Achieving the commitment of more than 60% of our suppliers to adopting science-based targets is a really important milestone for us to reach.
“The success of the science-based targets workshops is reflected in the growing number of suppliers committing to reducing carbon emissions.”
Rail industry leaders are set to meet at future TransCityRail events to discuss the ways rail can reduce its carbon footprint amongst other key issues facing the rail industry, for more information click here.
