Thalys has been awarded Gold Level ranking (7/10) by the CSR assessment platform operated by EcoVadis. Only 2% of the 20,000 companies assessed obtained this grade.
EcoVadis, a rating agency specialised in sustainable development and which has centralised projects and monitored initiatives since 2008 – notably carbon footprint measurement – operates a CSR assessment platform dedicated to responsible purchasing practices. The methodology and criteria are compatible with internationally recognised standards such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the United Nations Global Compact and ISO 26000.
Thalys’ sustainable development report, with a twofold aim of transparency and raising public awareness, has been made available to all on its website (latest version posted online in December: 2013 addendum on the 2012 database): www.thalys.com/be/fr/developpement-durable/engagements.
The environmental performance report published by Thalys in December 2013 takes stock of the progress conducted and the projects launched for each key area: traction energy, onboard services and intermodality. The main points in this area for 2014 are as follows:
Traction energy: the figures used in Thalys’ carbon footprint results are henceforth audited by accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) – a first in the sector. A trial programme has been launched with prototype energy meters installed in a railway carriage.
Onboard services: considerable effort made by Thalys and its provider Railrest has reduced carbon emissions by 55% in catering operations between 2007 and 2011. The call for tender conducted by Thalys in 2014 includes the continued pursuit of these objectives.
Intermodality: Thalys’ carbon footprint reveals that the emissions produced by modes of transport used by passengers prior to and following Thalys are similar in magnitude to those directly linked to the Thalys journey. Against this backdrop, Thalys is pursuing the programme launched in 2005 to simplify any movements before and after the Thalys journey by facilitating access to less polluting alternatives, in particular with other operators in the transport sector.
(Source: Thalys)
