Business travellers using UK rail services will be able to see the environmental benefits of going by train when they book thanks to a new carbon calculator.
The Rail Delivery Group (RDG), which represents UK train operators, has appointed sustainable travel specialist Thrust Carbon and rail data firm Fabrik to create a rail carbon calculator offering “detailed, accurate and reliable data” on the CO2 emissions of UK rail journeys at the point of sale.
“This collaboration is the first time that detailed rail data – including engine type, fuel type, exact journey distance, occupancy and carriage layout – has been combined to assess the environmental impact of rail travel,” said RDG in a statement.
“The development of this rail carbon calculator is part of the rail industry’s Green Travel Pledge – a commitment to encourage more business travellers to take the train instead of more polluting travel alternatives like cars and planes.”
The Green Travel Pledge carbon calculator will first be showcased in the Rail Zone at Business Travel Show Europe on Wednesday (28 June). It will then be “gradually” rolled out later this year.
Jacqueline Starr, CEO of the Rail Delivery Group, said: “I’m delighted we’ve been able to combine decades of rail data experience from Fabrik with the widely respected carbon emissions expertise of Thrust Carbon.
“Businesses have been eager to have access to such a carbon credible benchmark for rail travel for a long time.
“This tool has been designed by the business travel community, for the business travel community, and we are looking forward to rolling out its full functionality for multiple routes later this year.”
Kit Brennan, founder and head of product at Thrust Carbon, added: “We’re thrilled to be developing a revolutionary new emissions methodology for the rail industry.
“It’ll be capable of generating precise emissions calculations based on the model of train, whether travel is in first or standard class, and much more.
“To our knowledge, this is a first in the world of rail, and mirrors best practice found in advanced methodologies in the airline industry. Businesses always knew that rail was the greenest way to travel; but for the first time they’ll know just how much greener.”