Viewpoint

Greener journeys: Trainline wants to get everyone on board

Stuart Lemmon, CEO Northern Europe for EcoAct, an Atos company, and Victoria Biggs, Chief Communications Officer at Trainline discuss the different forms commitment and collaboration take in business strategy and implementing sustainable operations

In Europe, more than a fifth of carbon emissions come from transport, making greener travel choices both a social duty and a corporate goal for all companies operating in the transport sector. It is well known that transport is a big contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and the individual choices we make collectively can have a real impact on the environment. For example, taking a journey by train versus air can save, on average, about 80 per cent of carbon emissions. However, while sustainable travel remains an ‘easier said than done’ concept, there is real pressure on transport majors to facilitate this shift to greener journeys. With companies in the sector passionate to be leaders in the space, what are the steps required to reach these net-zero targets? Knowledge is power The world of climate change, the regulatory environment and the government’s ambition are changing rapidly. To navigate these changes, Trainline believes education is a valuable resource for every level. Before considering any real action, companies need to understand government commitments and the regulatory environment in greater depth. Staying fluid and responsive to what’s happening globally is crucial to a successful net zero strategy. Understanding the nuances of corporate sustainability is not a tick-box process but rather an ongoing exercise. Working with EcoAct helped Trainline identify their direct and indirect carbon emissions to best determine a realistic net zero target. Trainline also works hand in hand with governments in the UK and across Europe, and with the rail industry. The sector’s journey to net-zero is one with many strands that all need to be considered in order to develop science-based targets.

Take everyone on board Empowering people to make greener travel choices is a complex task that rests with multiple teams across the business. Trainline’s internal operations are a great example of sustainability moving beyond the sole remit of the sustainability team. From the facilities team making offices greener to the internal communications teams highlighting the importance of environmental sustainability within the business, and the investor relations team negotiating climate strategy with investors – sustainability has become a part of everybody’s responsibility.

Similarly, Trainline’s products team are focused on giving customers the tools and the services that facilitate sustainable travel, while the marketing teams amplify this effort by targeting new and existing customers and explaining the importance of choosing rail versus other travel modes. As a result of Trainline’s innovative app offering, its customers are twice as likely to increase their train travel, having switched most often from using a car, in comparison with users of other services.

Understandably – people are reluctant to choose differently if they aren’t aware of the benefits it has to us and the environment. Making the choice of travelling by train even more of a no-brainer not only takes the level of ambition found within the sustainability team, but requires passion across the company as a whole, including all its stakeholders. More so as it translates to Scope 3 emissions. Working together with suppliers that are the most material in terms of carbon emissions, helps Trainline support their partners in achieving net zero targets too.

Review net zero strategy regularly Having a net zero target not only communicates a company’s sustainability ambition, but also sets specific milestones by which progress is to be demonstrated. That said, a net zero business strategy is no different from any other business plan. Developing a plan that can be reviewed at regular intervals and adjusted accordingly enables Trainline to move swiftly to take effective action.

Kilborn Consulting Limited is an independent railway engineering consultancy and design business, with over 20 years of railway experience.

We specialise in the design of new and altered railway Signalling & Telecoms systems for the UK railway infrastructure.

Our areas of specialism are:

• Signalling and Telecoms Consultancy, including technical advice & support; • Asset Condition Assessments, Correlation and Surveys; • Signalling & Level Crossing Risk Assessments; • Feasibility, Optioneering studies, Concept and Outline Signalling Design; • Telecoms Option Selection Reports (including AiP), Reference System Design and Detailed Design; • Detailed Signalling Design; • Competency Management & Assessments; • Signal Sighting assessments, covering the full Signal Sighting Committee process with a competent Chair; • Electro-Magnetic Compatibility/Electro-Magnetic Interference Studies and

Assessments; and • S&T investigations of deficiencies.

We are delighted to announce that we have relocated offices to a space in the heart of Wellingborough town. The new office can accommodate all staff and visitors alike and offers widespread views across Wellingborough and the surrounding green spaces.