A new era of sustainability data
Currently, rail firms are only required to gather basic sustainability data. Our members say this is too limited gain meaningful insight. There is not enough detail to identify improvements, or cross industry learning. It’s a challenge to make positive change and measure sustainable development in rail.
An industry benchmark for each sustainability metric would change this. This would allow rail firms to measure their key performance areas and compare them to the wider industry. A new benchmark must start with quantitative data.
Developing a concise and user-friendly reporting tool will ensure a consistent approach to tracking progress through data insights.
We designed a tool to allow industry to gather more meaningful data and work together toward a sustainable future. It’s the Sustainable Insights Reporting Tool.
First, we identified and consolidated the government’s required reporting. This means mandatory data is still captured in the tool. Our sustainability and safety and health experts then developed voluntary reporting metrics.
We consulted with industry throughout development. This ensured the tool would meet the required usability, function, and collaborative needs. Our digital development team then compiled all the data to create a user-friendly reporting tool. The tool will be operated and maintained by RSSB and used by industry.
The Sustainable Insights Reporting Tool will gather data on zero waste, nature, water, and more. It will offer improved data services: review, validation, and reporting.
Creating one, unified approach to sustainability reporting paves the way for a collaborative, cross organisational approach to sustainable development within the industry. Rail regulators can access and track sustainability data.
Rail firms will be able to:
- improve efficiency and ease of sustainability data reporting
- expand the scope of the data collection fields with industry maturity
- compliment corporate Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting
The reporting tool will be available to RSSB members via the website. We will also aim to develop a dashboard.