One of our goals is to reduce our CO2 emission and naturally, our freight traffic should also contribute to this. We are not only trying to make our transport more sustainable, we are doing the same for our office space. Read here the ins and outs on what we do to stay on the green track of sustainability.
Sustainability and freight traffic doesn’t go hand in hand? At times, these two seem to be opposites, since freight traffic uses fossil fuels on a large scale, which goes hand in hand with the CO2 emission. This means that especially in the transport sector, there is a lot to gain in the area of sustainability.
The type of transportation makes a great difference when it comes to CO2 emission. Different researches show that freight traffic by train is a lot more sustainable than by truck. Trains can, in fact, transport a lot at the same time, do not get stuck in traffic jams, mainly work on electricity, and, above all, emit a smaller amount of greenhouse gases. In comparison: the transport of 1 train equals 56 trucks. So: more freight traffic by train means more space on the roads as well as reduction in the greenhouse gases in the air. Check the data of our Dutch Central Bureau of Statistics here, supported by results of the IEA (International Energy Agency).
However, we cannot avoid freight traffic by road, but there is certainly a profit to be made if transporters do their best. For example, we choose to only work with transporters who hold a level 3 CO2 performance ladder certificate. This means that these drivers are actively reducing CO2 emissions. This is in line with the new EU emissions regulations for road transport, whereby CO2 emissions from road transport in categories N2 and N3 must be 15% lower by 2025, in comparison to 2019.
If all transport companies put time and effort into reducing their CO2 emissions, we can all make the transport sector more sustainable.
Focusing on future generations, we want to connect the world of rail. This can only be done by making the railway more sustainable. At voestalpine Railpro, we, too, use all kinds of transport (by sea, air, train, and road) in order to deliver our products worldwide. In doing so, we are always making a sustainable choice in choosing the right type of transport. By using freight traffic by train more often, we are also contributing to reducing CO2 emissions.
By sharing our actions (big or small) with each other, we would like to encourage our partners to also make sustainable choices in their business operations. For example:
Using 2017 as our reference year, we aim to achieve a 50% CO2 reduction on our electricity consumption and 27.1% on gas and fuel consumption by 2021.
Sustainability is important for the rail infra market, mainly because it is one of the most sustainable forms of transportation. Together with our partners, we strive to make the rail infra market more sustainable. Let’s set a good example!
Do you want to work with us on reducing the CO2 emissions? Our wagons can also be used outside of the Netherlands. Please contact our BU Manager Rail Logistics & Rail Equipment René Harkema or our international sales department to discuss international opportunities.
