Biodiversity booklet - NS

IMPROVED HABITAT

[by dealing with the actual issues]

INCREASE THE NS SERVICE USERS

ENHANCE BIODIVERSITY

THE TRAIN SYSTEM IS NEITHER THE CAUSE OF DECREASED BIODIVERSITY NOR THE BEST PLACE TO TACKLE THE ISSUE. BETTER ENIRONMENT

LESS CO2 EMISSIONS

LESS PEOPLE DRIVE THEIR CARS

As it stands, rail transport has a positive effect on biodiversity. So the best way the NS can help the environment is to increase the passenger numbers.

The NS currently uses the notion of SUSTAINABILITY to market their service. The NS should focus on providing a good habitat for the customers before it considers getting inspired by ideas of how to protect and enhance biodiversity.

We are concerned that this project and the content generated by us will be used in the same manner. This improved habitat is a more honest way to increase the number of people using the service, which in turn will have greater environmental benefits than increasing the number of species on the train system itself.

There are more pressing issues that the NS can work on and do something better. Communication is the most important issue we have found.

‘Biodiversity is the resilience engine of the environment.’ - Naturalis

NS IS NOT THE CAUSE OF DECLINE IN BIODIVERSITY.

The major causes of biodiversity decline are Land use changes, Pollution, 3 Changes in atmospheric CO2 concentrations, 4 Changes in the nitrogen cycle and acid rain, 5 Climate alterations, 1 2

6

All coincident to human population growth..

(Sala, et al., 2000).

1

Land use changes

Due to the increase in land cultivation, the diversity of plant and animal life is at risk. The 2010 biodiversity target to achieve a significant reduction of biodiversity loss, set by world governments in 2002, has not been met at a global level.

The dramatic increase in the number of humans during the 20th century has instigated a concomitant growth in agriculture, and has led to conversion of wildlands to croplands, massive diversions of water from lakes, rivers and underground aquifers, and, at the same time, has polluted water and land resources with pesticides, fertilizers, and animal wastes. The result has been the destruction, disturbance or disabling of terrestrial ecosystems, and polluted, oxygen-depleted and atrophied water resources.

All forms of farming have major impacts on biodiversity, especially when new land is brought into cultivation. Habitats are destroyed and new ecological niches created which allow typical farmland species of birds, insects, mammals and weeds to establish themselves.

Changes in how the land is managed – particularly what crop is grown and the time of year it is sown – make a difference to the biodiversity year by year. Changing the way crops are managed, including for example the use of GM herbicide-tolerant and insect-resistant plant varieties, can also influence this.

Railroads and stations only cover insignificant amount of the land.

NS IS NOT THE CAUSE OF DECLINE IN BIODIVERSITY.

NS IS NOT THE CAUSE OF DECLINE IN BIODIVERSITY. 2

Pollution

Industrial, agricultural and waste-based pollutants can have catastrophic effects on many species. Those species which are more tolerant of pollution will survive; those requiring pristine environments (water, air, food) will not. Thus, pollution can act as a selective agent. Pollution of water in lakes and rivers has degraded waters so that many freshwater ecosystems are dying. Since almost 12% of animals species live in these ecosystems, and most others depend on them to some degree, this is a very serious matter. In developing countries approximately 90% of wastewater is discharged, untreated, directly into waterways.

Many locomotives that travel through cities and neighborhoods are powered by high-polluting diesel engines that lack pollution controls.

In terms of CO2 emissions, a train journey is on average 75% cleaner than a car journey.

Traveling by train is a clean way of traveling. Did you know that a train is already 75% cleaner than the average car? From 2015 to only cleaner. Because from January 1st fifty percent already runs on wind power. In 2018 you can travel completely carbon neutral, then all the trains to green electricity.

The green electricity comes from wind farms that are setting up special Eneco. NS and the other rail carriers The rail sector and Eneco thus contribute to the sustainability of the Netherlands. http://www.nsontwerpwedstrijd.nl/

NS IS NOT THE CAUSE OF DECLINE IN BIODIVERSITY. Changes in atmospheric CO2 concentrations, 3

Changes in the nitrogen cycle and acid rain, 4

5

Climate alterations,

Rail transport is good for climate protection Due to the lower rolling resistance of the wheel-rail-system, the railways are more energy efficient than rubber tyres on asphalt. The fact that emissions of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2) are directly related to energy consumption and to the source of the energy means that the railways make an active contribution to protecting the climate.

NS IS NOT THE CAUSE OF DECLINE IN BIODIVERSITY. 6

Human Population Growth

The geometric rise in human population levels during the twentieth century is the fundamental cause of the loss of biodiversity. It exacerbates every other factor having an impact on rainforests (not to mention other ecosystems). It has led to an unceasing search for more arable land for food production and livestock grazing, and for wood for fuel, construction, and energy. Previously undisturbed areas (which may or may not be suitable for the purposes to which they are constrained) are being transformed into agricultural or pasture land, stripped of wood, or mined for resources to support the energy needs of an ever-growing human population. Humans also tend to settle in areas of high biodiversity, which often have relatively rich soils and other attractions for human activities. This leads to great threats to biodiversity, especially since many of these areas have numerous endemic species. Balmford, et al., (2001) have demonstrated that human population size in a given tropical area correlates with the number of endangered species, and that this pattern holds for every taxonomic group.

Regional rail transport saves space and reduces road congestion Worldwide, metropolitan areas continue to expand. This includes Europe, where cities and their environs are merging into conurbations. In rural regions, trains form the backbone of public transport. At the same time, the train is the ideal transport mode for meeting the growing demands for transport services in cities.

This is why an increasing number of metropolitan areas are putting their faith in the railways. Investing in rail transport today will avoid transport problems and congestion in the future.

RAILWAYS ARE AN ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY AND EFFICIENT FORM OF TRANSPORT.

NS IS NOT THE BEST PLACE TO TACKLE THE BIODIVERSITY ISSUE.

40 Interviewees 6 NS staffs

4 on duty

2 off duty 8 Shop salespersons

2 Albert Heijn

1 Bruna

1 Flower shop

1 Etos

2 Hema

1 Julia’s

26 Passengers

10 Women

1 Travels with 2 kids

1 Travels with 2 rabbits

6 Travels alone

2 Travels with friends

16 Men

1 Travels with 1 kid

1 Travels with 1 dog

14 Travels alone

31 Frequent Travellers

26 Daily Basis

5 Weekly Basis 9 Non- Frequent Travellers

6 Monthly Basis

3 From foreign countries

INTERV Focusing on finding o preventing customers f

VIEWS out what are the issues from using the service.

#1 Interviewee

NS IS NOT THE BEST PLACE TO TACKLE THE BIODIVERSITY ISSUE.

‘First thing the NS should improve the station, in the winter it is quite cold and we have to wait for the train for 25 minutes, we have to go to the restaurant to get something to drink, to keep warm.’ Frequent NS Travller - Dutch - Mother with 2 daughters

#2 Interviewee

NS IS NOT THE BEST PLACE TO TACKLE THE BIODIVERSITY ISSUE.

‘Biodiversity could be nice, if it means they put more flowers to decorate the station. The NS station should make a better station for passengers, it doesn’t look nice and it is not comfortable. ’ Frequent NS Travller - Dutch - Married Woman

#3 Interviewee

NS IS NOT THE BEST PLACE TO TACKLE THE BIODIVERSITY ISSUE.

‘I have no comment on Biodiversity, but I think the NS should work on the communication part, they should inform the passengers earlier if something happens.’ Frequent NS Travller - Dutch - Young Lady

#4 Interviewee

NS IS NOT THE BEST PLACE TO TACKLE THE BIODIVERSITY ISSUE.

‘The most important thing is the information, they cannot underestimate the number of passengers that take the train! If there is a disruption, they should inform the passengers earlier.’ Frequent NS Travller - Dutch - Man

#5 Interviewee

NS IS NOT THE BEST PLACE TO TACKLE THE BIODIVERSITY ISSUE.

‘It would be nice maybe, if they work on biodiversity. But first I think they should add English on the screens.’ Non-Frequent NS Travller - Chinese - Student from Germany

#6 Interviewee

NS IS NOT THE BEST PLACE TO TACKLE THE BIODIVERSITY ISSUE.

‘What? Biodiversity? Or diversity? Do you know what Biodiversity is? No way! I am a Biologist, I don’t think NS should work on that, they should first make their official website in English!

Non-Frequent NS Travller - Dutch - Biologist - Father with 1 son

#7 Interviewee

NS IS NOT THE BEST PLACE TO TACKLE THE BIODIVERSITY ISSUE.

‘I mean, I don’t really care about biodiversity, but right now I have been stuck in this station for nearly 2 hours. I hope someone will give me some information or tell me when I can get a train.’

Non-Frequent NS Travller - French American - Foreigner - Man

#8 Interviewee

NS IS NOT THE BEST PLACE TO TACKLE THE BIODIVERSITY ISSUE.

‘I don’t really know what biodiversity has to do with the train station. I have to get these rabbits to Belgium to meet my friend but I have been waiting here for more than 2 hours.

There is still no train and no one that I can ask about the delay.’

Non-Frequent NS Travller - Chinese - Foreigner - Young Lady with 2 rabbits

#9 Interviewee

NS IS NOT THE BEST PLACE TO TACKLE THE BIODIVERSITY ISSUE.

‘Sorry, I am not sure if they should work on Biodiversity, I only know that there are many people who come in to the store when it’s raining outside and the space is too small, there are also many people who ask me questions about the train, which I have no idea about!’

Non-Frequent NS Travller - Dutch - Staff of a Flower Shop - Woman

#10 Interviewee

NS IS NOT THE BEST PLACE TO TACKLE THE BIODIVERSITY ISSUE.

‘Seriously, I have no idea why I have to pay extra for my dog and we don’t have a good service, a nicer station for people who frequently travel with their pets.’

Frequent NS Travller - Dutch - Man with a dog

NS HAS A COMMUNICATION ISSUE

COMMUNICATION FAILURE

COMMUNICATION FAILURE TECHNOLOGY FAILURE

COMMUNICATION FAILURE MISMATCHED URGENT ANNOUNCEMENT

COMMUNICATION FAILURE UNATTENDED INFO POINT

COMMUNICATION FAILURE UNRECOGNIZABLE STAFF UNIFORM

COMMUNICATION FAILURE ONE LANGUAGE FOR MULTICULTURAL SOCIETY

COMMUNICATION FAILURE INCONSISTENCY

OUR DESIGN

N SOLUTIONS

To enhance an already existing participatory system.

Experienced users help new users, Dutch speaking help non-Dutch speaking and people with access to technology like mobile applications or the NS website, can help those without a smart phone.

NS

CUSTOMER

CUSTOMER

EXPERIENCED USERS DUTCH SPEAKING TECHNOLOGY ACCESS ALTRUISTIC

NEW USERS NON DUTCH SPEAKING NO TECHNOLOGY NEED HELP

Customers place their bags next to them, creating a physical barrier and defensive gesture. Fear of invasion.

The use of bench seating on the platforms means there is always a continuous horizontal plain between you and other customers.

Fixed circular seating where customers have the freedom to orientate themselves to face any direction to initiate or prevent communication as they desire.

A taller version which is not necessarily for sitting on. The height allows customers to lean on or against it, or even use it as a table, remaining at eye level for maximum approachability.

A chair for customers who desire privacy and a higher level of comfort that has a high, wrap around back wrest and larger seating area. These can be grouped closer while still giving a sense of separation.

A leaning post which creates a physical link between the most helpful customers and the information panels.

the platform as a landscape for cooperation

To use the communication elements that proved efficient in other modes of transport.

Reducing the quantity of elements and increasing the quality and comprehension of the information provided.

An average new NS user finds it difficult to comprehend the NS service. Many new users, most of them travellers, have a great difficulty navigating within both the premises and the service of the NS.

We are concerned that this project and the content generated by us will be used in the same manner.

This improved habitat is a more honest way to increase the number of people using the service, which in turn will have greater environmental benefits than increasing the number of species on the train system itself.

Design Academy Eindhoven Contextual Design - Alex Cashmore Social Design - Silvia Janoskova Information Design - Alice Wong JUNE 2014

"If the train is going anyway, and you're trying to decide which to use [road or rail], it obviously makes sense to take the train," says Roger Kemp, former UK technical and safety director for Alstom Transport, manufacturer of TGV and Eurostar. "The additional energy consumption and emissions from you getting on are absolutely insignificant."