Build shared understanding among industry and stakeholdersOverviewA key aspect of the SRP is to build a shared understanding of sustainable development for railways across the industry and its stakeholders. This is achieved through engagement and communication on issues of priority to the industry both internally and externally. Facilitating cross industry discussionThe key stakeholder groups associated with the SRP are the Sustainable Development Steering Group (SDSG) , the Rail Sustainable Development Group (RSDG) and the Carbon Reduction Working Group (CRWG). The SDSG was established to provide direction and support to the SRP, leadership to the RSDG and take decisions on matters of policy as required. The purpose of RSDG is to support the delivery of the SRP. The Carbon Reduction Working Group was established in 2007 to provide a co-ordinating and facilitating role in the development of a cross industry approach to reducing carbon emissions that supports Government Policy in a cost effective manner. The Noise Policy Working Group will also be joining the SRP from the Railway Forum in mid 2009. SRP Publications, Briefings & EventsHelping you on the journey to a Sustainable Future: The Rail Industry Scenarios Toolkit (April 2009)The Scenarios Toolkit has been designed to help individual organisations to look 30 years ahead and to develop and test strategies for a sustainable future. The Toolkit provides four possible scenarios of the future that can be used as a basis for workshops about strategic planning, risk management and innovation. It includes practical advice and techniques for working with the scenarios, as well as detailed descriptions of the scenarios in text and audio-visual form. It is intended for rail industry employees or experts who have to facilitate a scenarios workshop. The toolkit builds on the research, Foresight Studies in Sustainable Development To order the toolkit, please contact sustainablerailprogramme@rsbb.co.uk Biofuels and sustainability: A briefing for the rail industry (December 2008)This briefing aims to set out the current “state of play” concerning the sustainability of biofuels, which companies may wish to consider when contemplating their potential use. Prompted by the Review of the indirect effects of biofuels production, by Renewable Fuels Agency chairman, Professor Ed Gallagher in July 2008, this briefing has been produced within the Sustainable Rail Programme, following consultation across the rail industry and with other stakeholders. Hard Rain Event (November 2008)Hard Rain, a stimulating and hard-hitting photographic presentation, was hosted on the 18th November 2008, by Forum for the Future with support from RSSB. Hard Rain is a candid portrayal of the state of the planet authored and illustrated by Mark Edwards, one of the most widely published editorial photographers in the world and the first to specialise in environmental issues. Mark’s presentation explored the challenges of climate change, poverty, population growth, resource degradation and the extinction of species alongside a discussion of innovative solutions being developed by businesses and communities. The photographs were set against the lyrics of the song ‘Hard Rain’ by Bob Dylan. The evening was opened by Professor Ed Gallagher, Chairman of the Renewable Fuels Agency, former chief executive of the Environment Agency and author of the recently-published and highly topical “Review of the indirect effects of biofuels production.” Professor Gallagher shared his thoughts on sustainability, unintended consequences and the complexity of the system that links the natural environment, society and the economy. The evening, which was much more a social event than business event, was a great success with around 75 in attendance. Many stayed on after the presentations to enjoy a drink, mingle with industry colleagues and share their thoughts the challenges facing humanity. 'Hard Rain' has been shown to a diverse audience from industry and governments across the globe including the United Nations Headquarters in New York, scientists from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, various multinational corporations, public meetings and national parliaments on every continent. Presentations to the Scottish Parliament, House of Lords and BBC Executive are scheduled. The Case for Rail 2007The Case for Rail 2007 outlines key sustainability issues for the industry, the level of performance at that time and identifies the relative strengths and weaknesses which will enable the industry to capitalise on areas where it is better than other transport modes and direct attention to areas that need the greatest improvement. 
Enhanced copies of the charts
used in the Case for Rail 2007. Railways - A Sustainable Future (October 2007)The Industry's conference on sustainable development, sought to build a shared understanding of the role rail has to play in delivering a sustainable future. The Conference:
Link to the conference programme Sustainable Rail Briefing: Mandatory Carbon Reduction Commitment - Traction EnergyIn June 2007 Defra consulted on the implementation of the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) scheme. The aim of CRC is to set up a mandatory emission trading scheme amongst organisations to cap carbon levels at a decreasing rate year on year. Organisations which have annual electricity consumption in excess of 6,000 MWh from mandatory half hourly meter will be included within this scheme. This consultation stated that rail’s non traction energy will come within this scheme, but Defra would welcome views from the rail industry on ‘key issues specific to the rail sector that Government should bear in mind in developing the CRC policy design’. However, for the time being, Defra has decided to exclude rail’s traction energy from the scheme. It requests stakeholder views on ‘the best ways to ensure energy efficiency benefit and absolute emission reduction from train energy use’. The rail industry consider a voluntary approach more effective in achieving carbon reductions, so wishes to maintain this exclusion. The attached briefing was written to enable the rail industry to make a consistent response to the Government’s consultation on the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) by 9 October 2007 deadline, presenting a convincing case for rail traction to be covered by a separate voluntary scheme. Cross-industry response to DEFRA consultation on carbon reduction commitment |
