UIC is pleased to announce the shortlisted finalists for the Sustainability Impact Awards 2026. From the 71 nominations submitted by members across the globe, 27 outstanding projects have been selected. These finalists exemplify the passion, innovation, and commitment of railway organisations, as well as their dedication to advancing sustainable transport and creating a lasting positive impact.
Building on the success of the 2024 edition, the 2026 Awards celebrate projects that showcase broad, measurable sustainability benefits. To qualify, projects were required to demonstrate their contributions to multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), delivering value for people and the planet, as well as promoting prosperity. The shortlisted organisations represent more than 15 countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, and comprise infrastructure managers, railway undertakings, and research bodies, proving that collaboration accelerates the transition to a greener rail system.
Prizes will be awarded in the following eight categories:
- Healthy Cities and Communities: Projects improving air quality, accessibility, and urban liveability.
- Modal Shift: Initiatives encouraging a shift from road to rail through innovative services and integrated logistics.
- Natural Resources: Circular economy initiatives, water conservation, and sustainable material management.
- Energy and Decarbonisation: Pioneering solutions for low-carbon infrastructure, renewable energy integration, and energy efficiency.
- Seamless Connectivity: Enhancements in multimodal travel, digital services, and integrated passenger experiences.
- Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion: Projects creating safer, more welcoming environments for passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility.
- Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience: Strengthening infrastructure to withstand climate impacts through resilient design and risk management.
- Green Communication Campaign: A new category recognising creative initiatives that engage stakeholders and increase environmental awareness.
The winners in each category, along with the overall winner, will be announced at the official awards ceremony on 23 September 2026, an invitation event hosted by Platinum sponsor Alstom during InnoTrans in Berlin.
UIC would like to extend its gratitude to all participating organisations and to the jury members for their dedication. A special thanks go to the Sustainable Development Foundation for guiding this process and to our Silver Sponsor, AECOM, for their continued support and partnership.
About the UIC Sustainability Impact Awards:
The UIC Sustainability Impact Awards recognise excellence in the railway sector’s efforts to achieve net-zero emissions, enhance social inclusion, and build resilient infrastructure.
https://uic.org/event/uic-sustainability-awards/
