ScotRail is up for a top environmental award in recognition for its work to improve biodiversity across Scotland’s Railway.
The train operator has been nominated for Partnership Scotland Award at the upcoming VIBES - Scottish Environment Business Awards 2019.
The category recognises partnerships which demonstrate a commitment to environmental sustainability and reducing environmental impact.
Last year, ScotRail partnered with community volunteering charity The Conservation Volunteers and RSPB Scotland, and so far, these partnerships have:
- Invested £40,000 supporting 28 biodiversity projects
- Enhanced habitats for foraging insects and animals
- Created nine wildflower meadows and three ponds
- Dedicated 752 volunteer hours on biodiversity projects
- Upskilled 188 volunteers in local communities
- Increased awareness of the importance of biodiversity among school children
- Promoted the reuse of waste materials at ScotRail stations and depots
ScotRail is also exceeding ambitious energy and carbon reduction targets which form a critical part of its franchise agreement committed obligations.
The committed obligations required a 4 per cent reduction in the energy used in stations and depots – with a 7.45 per cent reduction achieved; and a 1 per cent reduction in the energy used to power trains – with a 9.8 per cent reduction achieved.
ScotRail Head of Environment Damian Keaveny said:
“It’s great be nominated for the Partnership Scotland Award at the 2019 VIBES.
“We recognise the part we have to play meeting Scotland’s ambition to be a world leader on tackling climate change, and we’re fully committed to creating a sustainable railway and which contributes to an environmentally aware Scotland.”