The critical role of decarbonising rail stations in achieving net zero goals (Part 1 of 5)

This is part one of a five-part series on decarbonising the rail industry. You can find part two, three and four here. 

Achieving global net-zero emissions is a critical task that requires concerted efforts across all sectors. The transportation industry, a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, plays a pivotal role in this journey. While much attention has been given to decarbonising vehicles and improving fuel efficiency, rail stations, an integral part of the transportation network, often remain overlooked. Decarbonising rail stations is not just a supplementary action but a critical component in the broader strategy to achieve net-zero goals.

Understanding the emissions landscape of rail stations

Rail stations are more than just transit points; they are complex infrastructures consuming significant amounts of energy. The emissions associated with rail stations can be categorised into three scopes:

• Scope 1 Emissions: Direct emissions from sources owned or controlled by the station, such as gas heating systems and diesel generators

• Scope 2 Emissions: Indirect emissions from the generation of purchased electricity, steam, heating, and cooling consumed by the station

• Scope 3 Emissions: All other indirect emissions occurring in the value chain, including commuting of passengers and employees, waste management, and procurement

Research indicates that emissions from station buildings account for approximately 8% of the total emissions in rail. For instance, Bristol Temple Meads station's annual electricity demand is about 6 GWh, resulting in about 1,168 tCO2e emitted into the environment. This is comparable to CO2 emissions from driving 5.8 million miles in a petrol car - a significant figure even for the environmentally conscious.

Challenges unique to rail stations

Decarbonising rail stations presents unique challenges. Many stations are historical or listed buildings with architectural constraints that limit the extent of modifications possible. These buildings often have outdated insulation and heating systems, leading to higher energy consumption. Infrastructural limitations, such as the inability to install solar panels on certain rooftops or to retrofit buildings with modern energy-efficient materials, further complicate decarbonisation efforts.

Moreover, there is limited awareness and reporting on Scope 3 emissions. Many organisations focus on Scope 1 and 2 emissions because they are easier to measure and directly control. However, ignoring Scope 3 emissions means overlooking a substantial portion of the carbon footprint.

The hidden impact of Scope 3 emissions

Scope 3 emissions are a significant yet often neglected aspect of a rail station's environmental impact. They can account for up to 80% of the total emissions associated with a station. According to Deloitte, for many businesses, Scope 3 emissions account for over 70% of their total carbon footprint. For Bristol Temple Meads, passenger commuting contributes heavily to Scope 3 emissions, with about 23% of people using cars to travel to the station.

Ignoring these emissions undermines the effectiveness of decarbonisation strategies and hampers progress toward net-zero goals. Without addressing Scope 3 emissions, any reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions may be insufficient to achieve the desired environmental impact.

Strategies for decarbonizing rail stations

Despite the challenges, several strategies can be employed to decarbonise rail stations effectively:

1. Enhancing energy efficiency - Improving energy efficiency is a foundational step. Upgrading lighting systems to LEDs, implementing intelligent sensors to optimize energy use, and improving insulation where possible can significantly reduce energy consumption. Although retrofitting historical buildings is challenging, targeted interventions can still yield benefits

2. Transitioning to renewable energy sources - Where feasible, installing renewable energy sources like solar panels can offset a station's energy consumption. Purchasing green energy from suppliers is an alternative for stations where on-site renewable energy installations are not possible

3. Waste management enhancements - Improving waste management practices can reduce emissions associated with waste disposal. Implementing recycling programs and reducing single-use plastics within the station can reduce Scope 3 emissions

4. Addressing Scope 3 emissions through stakeholder engagement - Reducing Scope 3 emissions requires a collaborative approach. Engaging with passengers, employees, and suppliers to promote sustainable practices is essential. For example, encouraging passengers to use public transportation, cycling, or walking to the station can significantly reduce commuting-related emissions

A travel survey conducted among passengers revealed that while over 75% of them are unaware of their carbon footprint, most of the survey participants are willing to change their behaviour when informed.

Innovations driving decarbonization: the Station Innovation Zone

Innovation plays a critical role in overcoming the challenges of decarbonising rail stations. The Station Innovation Zone, an initiative led by Connected Places Catapult, exemplifies how collaborative efforts can drive sustainable change.

Steve Close from Connected Places Catapult explained that the Station Innovation Zone aims to "accelerate the uptake of innovation by addressing technology and market barriers. "By collaborating with innovators and small to medium enterprises, the initiative seeks to introduce new technologies and solutions into stations like Bristol Temple Meads".

Examples of innovations include:

• Innovative CO2 capture technologies: Installing panels that extract carbon from the air, as trialled by CO2Eco at Bristol Temple Meads

• Passenger behaviour tools: Develop apps that encourage sustainable travel choices by providing real-time information and incentives

• Operational efficiency improvements: Implementing systems to optimise energy use within the station's operations

These innovations not only address Scope 1 and 2 emissions but also can influence Scope 3 emissions by shaping passenger and employee behaviours.

Policy implications and recommendations

Government policies play an instrumental role in facilitating the decarbonisation of rail stations. Introducing mandatory reporting on Scope 3 emissions would compel organisations to address the full spectrum of their carbon footprint.

Incentives for adopting sustainable practices, such as grants for energy efficiency upgrades or tax benefits for purchasing renewable energy, can accelerate progress. Additionally, policies that support the development of sustainable transportation infrastructure, including electric vehicle charging stations and improved public transport connectivity, can reduce commuting-related emissions.

Conclusion

Decarbonising rail stations is an essential component of achieving net-zero goals. While challenges exist, particularly with historical buildings and Scope 3 emissions, strategic actions and innovations offer viable pathways forward. Rail stations can significantly reduce their environmental impact by enhancing energy efficiency, transitioning to renewable energy, improving waste management, and engaging stakeholders.

The journey to net-zero emissions requires a holistic approach that includes every facet of the transportation sector. As critical hubs in this network, rail stations must be at the forefront of decarbonisation efforts. It is not just about meeting regulatory requirements but about contributing to a sustainable future for all.

Industry stakeholders, policymakers, and the public are called upon to recognise the critical role of rail stations in this endeavour. The vision of a sustainable future in rail transportation is within reach through collaboration, innovation, and commitment.

This article is based on research conducted within a project that has been funded by EPSRC as part of the Innovation Launchpad Network Plus in collaboration with Connected Places Catapult.

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