Our sustainability policy
For us, sustainability is the convergence of three distinct areas: social sustainability, economic sustainability, and environmental sustainability.
Within each area, we have specific goals and strategies which can be found in our Sustainability Policy (outlined below). You can read the policy in full by following the link in the related information section of this page.
Social
- to maintain a safe and healthy workforce
- to recruit and retain high potential and high performing individuals
- to be known as a great developer of both leadership and technical skills
- to develop a workforce that is reflective of Britain’s national and local demographics
- to have fully engaged employees
- to reduce near misses and fatalities caused by incorrect use of level crossings or by young people trespassing on the railway
- to exceed the expectations of lineside neighbours, local communities and the public
- to be recognised as a good corporate citizen
- to maintain rail’s position of the safest mode of public transport
- to set the benchmark for safe and secure stations
- to be recognised for creating great travel environments.
Economic
- to improve the economic value of the existing railway
- to reduce the level of subsidy required to support the provision of existing services
- to encourage investment in the railway to facilitate modal shift.
Environmental
- to achieve sustainable consumption and production
- to protect natural resources
- to improve energy efficiency and reduce reliance on fossil fuels in running the railway.
Delivering our goals
Our Sustainability Policy also outlines how we intend to deliver our sustainability goals and strategies. We will:
- set continuous improvement targets by which our performance can be measured, demonstrated and publicly reported
- identify opportunities and take action where practicable to improve sustainability and to meet legal obligations
- identify and mitigate adverse impacts and risks
- embed sustainability policy and practice into all of our management systems for operating, maintaining, renewing and enhancing the railway, including standards, processes, procedures and assurance
- provide the right level of advice, awareness and competency to our people and to our contractors’ employees.
Rail industry sustainable development principles
We have also endorsed the rail industry sustainable development principles through our participation in the steering group for the sustainable rail programme, facilitated by the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB).