Green HS2 trains

4 September 2023

Pro-active companies aware of their environmental obligations are putting in place action plans to reduce their emissions, including those in Scope 3 – indirect emissions generated by outside sources like travel and transportation. 

HS2 says its trains will be 90 per cent more carbon efficient than flying and that having achieved the British Standards Institute’s PAS 2080 global accreditation they are the most environmentally-friendly in the world.

The rolling stock’s design has focused on the weight of the car bodies wheel sets and cabling, and incorporates recycled and recyclable material. Effort is also going into reducing the train’s energy consumption, including improvements in its aerodynamics. 

Bernie Rowell, HS2 Ltd’s Head of Delivery – Rolling Stock, Rowell, said: “We’re delighted that our train is the first in the world to be recognised for its low-carbon credentials. HS2 will persuade people to choose the train over the car and plane and help the UK reach net zero by 2050.”

Photo: HS2 Ltd