Early results show Rail travel emits 10 time less carbon than car travel
We have always been told that rail travel is a more sustainable way of travelling, and now we have data to prove it.
Rail travel emits less carbon dioxide compared with other transport methods.The Rail Delivery Group has found that rail travel creates 10 times less carbon emissions per passenger compared to the equivalent car journey. As a case in point, an equivalent journey from London King’s Cross Station to Edinburgh Waverley Station produced only 12.5kgCO2e of carbon emissions per passenger by train compared to 136.4kgCO2e by car.
Another one of the biggest environmental benefits of trains is that they are more energy efficient, consuming less energy per passenger mile compared to cars. In particular, electric trains reduce reliance on fossil fuels and further minimise greenhouse gas emissions. It is also important to mention that rail travel has the potential to alleviate traffic congestion with their capacity to transport a large number of passengers at once. This helps to ease road congestion and improve air quality.
The Rail Delivery Group suggests that converting business trips is a key way that carbon emissions could be reduced. The Rail Delivery Group and National Rail will soon be releasing a tool to help businesses keep track of their rail carbon emission data. Consequently, this will help businesses to understand exactly how switching to rail travel is aiding them to improve their ESG (environmental, social and governance) ratings.
As the UK strives to become more environmentally friendly, investing in rail travel should become a priority. It is important that people understand the benefits of rail travel so that they can make the switch to a more sustainable way of travelling. Hop aboard a train and experience the convenience of rail travel while contributing to a healthier planet!
This blog was kindly written by Olivia, 2nd year geography student at the University of Nottingham.
