High Speed Rail Group stresses key role in achieving net zero

High-speed rail has a “significant responsibility” to minimise the transport sector’s environmental impact through innovation and can help set new, higher standards for green transport, according to the High Speed Rail Group (HSRG).

With contributions from politicians, operators and contractors, a new HSRG report – High Speed Rail: Net Zero Voices – aims to set out the role of high-speed rail in achieving ‘net zero’. 

There is increasing recognition that high-speed rail “is an environmental pursuit as much as a transport and economic one,” the industry body said, highlighting the low-carbon construction methods and smart technology being used in HS2.  

With road transport accounting for 67% of the transport sector’s greenhouse gas emissions, and rail just 1.4%, the organisation said that a ‘modal shift’ away from cars and planes towards rail will also have an important role to play in meeting net zero by 2050.  

The much delayed and over budget HS2 has received significant criticism from groups such as The Wildlife Trusts because of the destruction of environments including ancient woodlands, meadows and chalk streams.  

The HSRG said the impact of construction is being mitigated by an “impressive nature restoration programme” however, including a ‘green corridor’ along phase one of the route between London and Birmingham.  

“Investment in a truly national high speed rail network that connects the country north, south, east and west is one of the most tangible ways that we can drive forward our net zero ambitions,” said a spokesperson for the group.  

“With the climate emergency ongoing, now is not the time to be cutting back on plans to grow Britain’s high-speed network, especially if the UK is serious about keeping the promises we made in Glasgow.” 

Anne-Sophie Duc Dodon, project management officer at the Align joint venture, said: “Building major infrastructure projects is all about leaving a legacy: in architecture, in engineering and in skills. However, one legacy we do not want to hand down to future generations is a significant carbon footprint. This commitment is at the heart of HS2’s plan to achieve net zero carbon construction and operation from 2035.” 

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