Global mobility leaders gathered in Berlin on 1 June for the gala prize-giving ceremony of the UIC International Sustainable Railway Awards 2022.
The Radisson Collection Hotel played host to a celebration of sustainable projects creating a better world, with shortlisted projects spanning the globe, from Brazil to Japan.
Dutch Railways (NS) took the Overall Winner award, which was chosen by the jury from all category winners. The NS project ‘99% circular train modernisation and on track for 100% circular trains in Europe’ modernised their fleet by reusing the materials of their own decommissioned trains. 'The creativity shown in this project is outstanding,' the judges noted. 'It is inspiring to hear about the ways found to excite passengers and raise awareness'.
The Awards were launched to recognise railway projects and initiatives driving social, environmental, and economic sustainability. Part of the International Union of Railways’ (UIC) vision for the future of rail, the Awards provided a platform to share best practice and promote growth in the sector.
Railway passenger and freight operators, infrastructure managers and governments were invited to enter work completed or implemented between 1 January 2020 and 31 October 2021. An expert jury, headed by co-presidents Christian Kern, Former Federal Chancellor of Austria, and Lucie Anderton, UIC’s Head of Sustainable Development, reviewed and evaluated the entries.
Ms Anderton and Raimondo Orsini, Director, Sustainable Development Foundation, hosted the ceremony, which was co-located with the 11th International Railway Summit (IRS11).
The awards were kindly supported by sponsors Atos, CRRC and Bonatrans, and exhibitor E + E Elektronik.
A sustainable event
In keeping with the theme of the evening, the organisers, IRITS Events, aimed to put on as sustainable an event as possible. The eleven winners’ trophies were made from responsibly sourced bamboo, guests enjoyed sustainable food and drink, the programme was printed on recycled paper, and an ‘elegant and sustainable’ dress code discouraged the purchase of new clothing. To find out more about the awards visit https://sustainablerailway.awardstage.com/
UIC International Sustainable Railway Awards 2022 winners
Overall Winner 99% circular train modernisation and on track for 100% circular trains in Europe Dutch Railways (NS)
Outstanding Contribution to Sustainable Rail Vera Fioriani, CEO, RFI (Italian Rail Network) 'At a time when strong leadership from the top is essential for swift action, the jury applauds Ms Fiorani for her strategic leadership in 'Sustainability on the go'.’
IRS11 Participants Award SBB Inclusive Swiss Federal Railways (SBB)
Best Diversity & Inclusion Initiative Rough sleeping on rail outreach pilot Network Rail
Best Contribution to COVID Emergency Medical TGV trains: transport for patients suffering from COVID-19 French National Railways (SNCF)
Best Skills Development & Training Programme Not awarded
Best Use of Zero-Carbon Technology Solar energy directly feeding 25 AC traction system Indian Railways
Best Green Corridor Delivering innovative biodiversity measurement for the benefit of people, wildlife and the planet Network Rail
Best Circular Economy Project 99% circular train modernisation and on track for 100% circular trains in Europe Dutch Railways (NS)
Best Multimodal Partnership StationLAND Italian Rail Network (RFI)
Rebuilding Confidence in Railways King’s Cross seating Network Rail
Best Climate Change Adaptation & Resilience Indian Railways Mission Electrification Indian Railways
A special commendation was given to Mr He Zhuang, Director General of the Freight Department of China State Railways for his work in proposing a modal shift to rail in China's national rail freight transport development plan.
