A tool to map emissions data in rail
The GB rail industry does not have a tool to collate and visualise geo-spatial emissions data.
We therefore produced an Emissions Mapping Tool (project T1186). The data in the tool is primarily based on different emission factors and train movements. The original tool was developed based on 2019 activities data.
Since then, there have been changes in train activities, and new rolling stocks have been introduced. These changes need to incorporated into the mapping tool. This project captures the latest changes in the network and updates the data accordingly.
We appointed Aether Ltd. to collate the latest train activities data from Network Rail. Aether also used their knowledge of rolling stock changes and incorporated the data into the latest mapping tool.
Apart from air pollutants (NOx and PM), the latest update also includes the CO2 emissions from traction.
The visualisation of the data will be incorporated into the Sustainable Rail Mapping Tool, which is currently under development under a separate project.
The updated emissions data will help us support air quality improvement work across the industry. It provides a clear and accurate picture of the pollution contribution from different rolling stock and operators. This helps identify and focus the most effective solutions to address air quality issues at stations.
There are already examples of how this will help industry. We are already working with DESNZ, for example, as the more granular CO2 data is of interest and use for their work on carbon capture in the UK.
The pollutant and CO2 emissions data will be a core part of the Sustainable Rail Mapping Tool.