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About
A prestigious competition organised by the International Union of Railways (UIC) in collaboration with the Sustainable Development Foundation. The aim of the awards is to honour and showcase outstanding achievements in the global railway sector, with a strong emphasis on sustainability.
Award
Categories
The UIC Sustainability Impact Awards 2024 categories recognise the range of innovation which is transforming the rail sector today. The categories are divided into 4 macro-subjects, each devoted to a different aspect of sustainability.
Each category aligns with the UIC 2030 vision “Design a better Future” and connects to a number of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
These categories celebrate the best of the best, and will be given to the projects, initiatives and individuals who have made the most notable contribution to sustainable development. The projects submitted should be able to demonstrate that they had an impact in 2022-2023.
Customer Service
Accessibility, diversity and inclusion
Recognise projects and programmes that go beyond regulatory requirements to create an inclusive and accessible railway environment. This includes measures to improve physical accessibility and social inclusivity, provide assistance for passengers with additional needs, and implement policies that embrace diversity and inclusion for both passengers and staff.
Climate change adaptation and resilience
Recognise projects that actively contribute to climate change adaptation and resilience, ensuring that railway services can withstand and recover from the impact of extreme weather events and other climate-related challenges.
Innovation
Energy and decarbonization
Recognise projects and technologies that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability by lowering energy consumption, increasing the use of renewable energy sources, and actively participating in efforts to combat climate change within the railway industry.
Natural resources
Highlight projects and technologies that demonstrate a commitment to sustainable practices by minimising the depletion of natural resources, optimising the use of resources, and adopting environmentally friendly approaches, with a particular focus on promoting biodiversity and circular initiatives in railway development and operations.
Cities and Communities
Modal shift
Recognise initiatives, strategies, and projects within cities and communities that successfully promote the transition of passengers or freight from traditional, less sustainable modes of transport to rail services.
Healthy cities and communities
Acknowledge efforts that enhance the quality of life in cities and communities by prioritising health. This can include measures to reduce air pollution, noise, and the overall environmental impact of transport.
Seamless Connectivity
Acknowledge and celebrate partnerships that improve overall connectivity by enabling a seamless transition and efficient interchange between various modes of transport. This encompasses initiatives aimed at enhancing accessibility, minimising transfer times, and offering passengers convenient and integrated travel options. As part of this, improving accessibility involves integrating information, digitisation, and ticket sales, as well as physical connectivity, which all contribute to a more harmonious and connected travel experience.
Shortlisted Finalists
Accessibility, diversity and inclusion
National Railroad Passenger Corporation
Amtrak Gives Back
Amtrak Gives Back is a community engagement program focused on People, Preservation, and Protection, aiming to build lasting partnerships and support communities. It involves public outreach, supporting non-profits through initiatives like On Track for Good, and employee volunteerism. The program offers complimentary trips to non-profits, uses excess capacity efficiently, and raises awareness of Amtrak projects. Overall, it reflects Amtrak’s commitment to making meaningful contributions and positively impacting communities nationwide.
National Railway Company of Belgium
SNCB Assist
SNCB has developed a collaborative mobile and web application for people with disabilities to book assistance, ensuring inclusivity (“nothing about us without us!”). Designed with input from stakeholders, including those with reduced mobility, the app allows users to select routes and track assistance requests. Led by a project manager who is blind, the app prioritizes accessibility. Future enhancements will integrate station staff tools for better service during disruptions, with plans to include rolling stock and infrastructure accessibility details. The end-to-end solution launches in July, following extensive customer research and accessible design testing.
Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane
Social Campaign Against sexual harrassment in public places
FS has created a massive and enabling campaign against sexual harassment in public places through the 5D approach of the Right to be Association using assets: train monitors, stations, ticket machines, buses and stops, service areas along strees, advertising panels and website. Posters, webinars and training video.
Climate change, adaptation and resilience
National Railroad Passenger Corporation
Climate Design Guidelines and Certifications Tree
Amtrak’s Climate Resilient Design Guidelines, comprising a Design Guidebook and Third-Party Rating Decision Tool, integrate climate hazard considerations and net-zero goals into capital projects from the start. The guidelines enhance design requirements to ensure reliability, safety, and efficiency, while aiding in early decision-making for third-party certifications like LEED and Envision. Committed to net-zero emissions by 2045 and 100% carbon-free electricity by 2030, Amtrak will implement sustainable infrastructure practices and has already reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 22% from 2019 levels.
Association of American Railroads (Norfolk Southern)
Living Shoreline
Lamberts Point in Norfolk, Virginia, a key marine terminal for railroad operations, faced flood risks due to erosion at the Elizabeth River shoreline. Norfolk Southern collaborated with the Elizabeth River Project to create a sustainable living shoreline using sand, marsh plantings, stone, and oysters. This project provided flood protection, benefiting the railroad, environment, local community, and businesses.
Energy and decarbonization
DB Cargo Group
Fuel for the future – HVO@DB Cargo
The diesel phase-out is a key lever for achieving climate neutrality at DB Cargo by 2040. As a bridging
technology, the use of HVO is currently the only technical option for reducing CO2e emissions from existing
diesel locomotives in rail freight transport by up to 90% in the short term.
Korea Railway Research Institute
Decarbonizing Technologies for Net-zero Railway (Ecodesign and CF100)
The project aims for 2050 net-zero in railway with decarbonizing technologies addressing GHG emissions
across all scopes taking into account the characteristics of emission sources, focusing on carbon supply
chain management, ecodesign, circular economy and CF100.
ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG
Solar Rail Power Farm for Happy Chicks (SRPF4HC)
In 2015 ÖBB-Infrastruktur was the first railway-company, that started to build solar-power plants that directly
feed into the railway power-grid! The first PV-plant was a rather small pilot site. This year the company will
launch it´s first large open landscape site as a so-called agri-PV, with a total area of about 14ha in a place
called Thalsdorf in Carinthia/Austria!
The combination of an organic farm, raising chicken, sheep and vegetable production, with the the PV
power plant, producing 100% CO2 free railway-power, is a perfect example of sustainable landuse.
Additional measures to enhance biodiversity, like the plantation of a large number of fruit-trees, creation of
wildflower meadows and the integration of a regional wildlife corridor through a hegdrow, made up by rare,
regional bushes and trees, will make the place an important habitat too.
Natural resources
Korea Railroad Corporation
Establishment of electronic waste resource circulation system
Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL) partners with E-Circular Governance to implement a circular economy system, recycling electronic waste like laptops and monitors to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This initiative underscores KORAIL’s commitment to sustainability by diverting e-waste from landfills, fostering innovation, and enhancing environmental stewardship in railway transportation. Through collaboration, KORAIL aims to create a more resilient and environmentally conscious future while benefiting its stakeholders and global sustainability goals.
Sncf Reseau
Green sleepers
SNCF Réseau has modernized the wooden sleeper treatment process at Bretenoux, ensuring sustainability and maintaining French oak usage in the railway industry. The initiative includes impregnation with copper oils, climate chamber aging tests, and on-track evaluations, supported by AECOM. Investments in plant modernization, automation, and staff training have enhanced safety and efficiency, preserving Bretenoux as Europe’s largest impregnation site. Results show improved environmental impact, odorless products, and sustained performance, reinforcing the supply chain and market connectivity. The project, launched with a €10 million investment, targets full commissioning by early 2025.
Iranian Railways
Railway Smart Crisis Management Robotic Drone
The Intelligent Multipurpose Robotic Drone project integrates advanced technologies to address environmental and safety challenges in transportation, particularly within railway corridors. Designed to mitigate collisions with animals, respond to natural disasters, and enhance infrastructure maintenance, the drone supports Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by improving efficiency, reducing emissions, and conserving natural resources. Equipped with AI and versatile capabilities for both rail and road navigation, it aims to prevent accidents, assess damage, and ensure safer, more sustainable transportation operations while promoting environmental stewardship and societal resilience.
Modal shift
East Japan Railway Company
Transport of Train Cargo and SCM (Supply Chain Management) Projects
East Japan Railway Company is using Shinkansen trains to ship regional specialties to urban areas, enhancing regional product awareness and supporting local economies. This service addresses three main issues: boosting regional economies by selling fresh products in high-traffic urban stations, alleviating logistical challenges caused by labor shortages and new regulations, and reducing CO2 emissions to support Japan’s goal of near-zero greenhouse gases by 2050. Leveraging the punctuality, stability, and speed of Japanese railways, this initiative aims to provide sustainable solutions to contemporary societal challenges.
EFE Trenes de Chile
30/30 Plan: new commuter and local services
The 30/30 plan aims to connect inland communities with regional capitals and nearby cities, focusing on fast, safe, accessible, and sustainable public transportation. Targeting areas with existing railway infrastructure, the project prioritizes quick and efficient implementation, starting with pilot services in Maule, Araucanía, and Los Lagos regions. The first service, launched in June 2023, connects Pitrufquén to Temuco, benefiting around 330,000 people. The success of this initiative encourages further expansion of similar solutions beyond the initial pilots.
Healthy Cities and Communities
Italo Spa
Cardio-protected trains
Installation of defibrillators on board all Italo trains, at all ticket offices/lounges and in all workplaces.
Training of all Italo employees in life-saving maneuvers and in the use of defibrillators, making Italo trains
and sites safer places for qualified and rapid assistance in case of illness.
Korea Railroad Corporation
Establishment of a smart air quality management system
KORAIL has implemented an advanced ‘Smart Air Quality Management System’ in subway stations,
seamlessly integrating cutting-edge fine dust monitors, high-tech air purifiers, and interactive display
devices for real-time measurement information. This innovative system ensures precise control of indoor air
quality by autonomously adjusting HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) equipment and air
purifiers based on fine dust particle levels. Furthermore, subway passengers receive immediate updates on
fine dust levels, increasing their awareness and enabling them to trust the subway’s air quality and use the
railway safely.
Seamless connectivity
National Capital Region Transport Corporation
Delhi Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System
The Delhi-Meerut RRTS, India’s inaugural Regional Rapid Transit System, promises enhanced connectivity and convenience across the National Capital Region. With its current 34km operational segment drastically reducing travel times and serving over 1 million commuters within months, the system aims to shift reliance from personal vehicles to public transit, easing congestion and pollution. Planned as a 300km interconnected network, it emphasizes seamless travel and multimodal integration, akin to global systems like London’s Crossrail and Paris’ RER, to boost regional connectivity, economic growth, and quality of life.
Rete Ferroviaria Italiana SpA
A new “Piramid of mobility” for sustainable ans seamless connectivity in Lombardy railway stations
RFI and Lombardy Region have formed an innovative partnership to co-design intermodal areas and services at major railway stations in Lombardy, Italy’s most populous region. With extensive infrastructure and passenger traffic, RFI manages over 2,000 stations, collaborating with the region to enhance sustainable mobility through GIS tools like “StationLAND”. Sector-specific working groups developed data-driven guidelines for improved station connectivity, including pedestrian zones, bike lanes, public transport facilities, electric vehicle charging points, and areas for shared mobility. This approach ensures seamless outdoor station design based on a prioritized “Pyramid of mobility” framework.
Jury
Our 2024 Judges
The UIC Sustainability Impact Awards 2024 judges bring a great depth and diversity of knowledge to the judging panel.
In their daily work around the globe, they advocate for, and help to achieve, sustainable infrastructure and energy use, a better experience for the public, for passengers and for workers, enabling green investment in visionary projects and initiatives.
Objectives
- Convene and network for Sustainability leaders in rail
- Celebrate and recognise best practice in UIC members
- Bring to light the stories that can be used to promote rail sustainability – showing impact made to SDGs and connect to the UIC Vision 2030
Eligible initiatives: from UIC members with results in 2021-2023 from Freight, Passenger or IMs only (not suppliers/industry).
Also potential for Overall winner or jury special mention.
Scoring weighting
- Impact on SDGs (high score if co-benefits are hitting several SDGs) 35%
- Demonstrable and Quantifiable Impacts for the topic 35%
- Demonstrating staff and/or Community Engagement (Collaboration and Communication) 15%
- Longevity, Scalability, Replicability, Fostering Long Term Changerm Change 15%
President of the Jury
Lucie Anderton
Head of Sustainable Development - International Union of Railways (UIC)
As Head of Sustainable Development at the UIC, Lucie acts as technical and team lead for environmental and social sustainability projects, including international advocacy for rail. Lucie is seconded from Network Rail.
Lucie has worked in rail for more than 15 years, performing roles both in strategic policy and embedded in project teams delivering large rail infrastructure projects. Her specialist knowledge lies in topics including Environmental Impact Assessment, sustainable low carbon design, construction site assurance, delivering biodiversity gains in construction projects as well as social value and corporate charity partnerships.
Christian Kern
Former Federal Chancellor - Republic of Austria
Christian is Managing Partner of the technology investment company The Blue Minds Company. He is also a member of the board of Russian Railways.
Customer Services
Accessibility, diversity and inclusion
Floridea Di Ciommo
Director - cambiaMO
Floridea is Director of the non-profit cooperative cambiaMO | changing Mobility, Madrid – Spain Research director on travel behaviour, evaluation, and gender approaches in mobility and climate change. Her main activities include: research direction and evaluation for the EU, European Investment Bank, the International and National projects; participation such as Civil Society observer to the climate negotiation during the United Nation Framework for Climate Change Conference – UNFCCC (e.g. GST, ACE, GGA); publication of academic papers in travel behaviour, accessibility, governance and stakeholders guidelines. She is an Associate Professor in Urban sustainability at UC3M – Madrid, Spain. She has a PhD in urban planning and transport at the ENPC-Paris-tech.
Christopher Irwin
Member of the Management Board - European Passengers’ Federation
Christopher is a member of the Management Board of the European Passengers’ Federation. He is also the European Policy Adviser to the British statutory watchdog Transport Focus and a director of TravelWatch SouthWest. He is co-chair of the Sector Mirror Group that advises the intergovernmental Platform on Cross-border Passenger Rail and, since Brexit, has been an occasional expert adviser on transport-related issues to the UN Economic Commission for Europe.
His appointments in the rail sector have included chairmanship of the European Railway Agency, official adviser on transport research to the European Commission for Horizon 2020 and the preparation of its current Horizon Europe programmes, and co-chair of the Franco-British Intergovernmental Commission that oversees the Channel Tunnel.
Earlier in his career, Christopher was founding CEO of BBC World Service television and Managing Director of Guinness World Records.
Climate change adaptation and resilience
Raimondo Orsini
Director - Sustainable Development Foundation
Raimondo is the Director of the Sustainable Development Foundation since 2008, a not-for-profit organization based in Rome, funded by more than 130 companies, business associations and experts.
He has a long experience in sustainability issues: he graduated in environmental law, with a Master degree in sustainable transport systems. From 1999 to 2005 he was leader of Trenitalia environment team and from 2005 to 2008 was senior environment and sustainability advisor at International Union of Railways (UIC) in Paris.
Lecturer and speaker in international conferences on climate and sustainability, he has published a number or articles on environmental issues as well as on the green transition of companies.
Innovation
Energy and decarbonisation
Yaroslav Kholodov
Policy Analyst and Project Manager - International Transport Forum at the OECD
Yaroslav Kholodov is a Policy Analyst and Project Manager at the International Transport Forum (ITF) within the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). He also leads ITF’s workstreams on accessibility and rail. Mr Kholodov holds two Master’s degrees in Transport Planning and Railway Engineering. With more than six years of experience in the transport sector, he has advised state enterprises, local and national governments on regional development, sustainable transport systems and infrastructure design. Mr Kholodov is an expert on urban mobility, sectoral decarbonisation and data-driven policymaking.
Richard Alexander Roehrl
Senior Economic Affairs Officer, Integrated Policy Analysis Branch - Division for Sustainable Development Goals (UN-DESA)
Mr. Richard A. Roehrl is a physicist, economist and policy analyst. At present, he is a team leader and Senior Economic Affairs Officer at the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs where he is responsible for science, technology and infrastructure issues. He works towards strengthening the science-policy interface which has led to the creation of a number of new UN entry points for science and technology stakeholders in support of the aspirations of the SDGs. In particular, he co-initiated the UN Technology Facilitation Mechanism and the UN Global Sustainable Development Report, among others. Mr. Roehrl has advised governments, supported negotiations, and engaged with science communities on a wide range of issues. He has led research and assessments on sustainable development, frontier technologies, infrastructures, energy, climate, transport, and scenario analysis. He also leads analytical work on science and technology futures and the broader impacts of emerging science and technologies.
Mr. Roehrl received his education from the universities of Munich, Oxford, London, and Erlangen-Nuremberg.
Natural resources
Margrethe Sagevik
Sustainability and life sciences Consultant - Norway
Margrethe, with 20+ years in rail and sustainable mobility, is an advisor and coach committed to sustainability. Her years at company and sector levels, nationally and internationally, taught her that real change is driven by brave individuals, not boardrooms. Now, she guides people and leaders to discover their courage, fostering sustainable decisions. She is a fan of Inner Development Goals (IDG)
Her rail years includes 8 years as a sustainable development advisor at the International Union of Railways (UIC), advocating internationally for rail, climate and sustainable mobility. She also served as head of sustainability at Vy in Norway.
Cities and Communities
Healthy cities and communities
Tu My Tran
Head of Sustainable Mobility and Global Coordinator - ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability
She leads programs that help cities transition to climate-friendly transportation systems for people and goods. Tu My focuses on decarbonizing transport, improving last-mile logistics, digitalizing transportation, and promoting walking and cycling. With a background in management and international relations, she brings a pragmatic approach to urban sustainability across Europe, Asia Pacific, and Africa.
Modal shift
Holger Dalkmann
CEO and Founder - Sustain 2030
Holger Dalkmann is a well-known thought leader with over twenty-five years experience in the field of transport, cities, sustainability and climate change.Holger is Founder & CEO of Sustain 2030. He is supporting governmental organisations, foundations and leading NGOs in their efforts to scale their impact towards decarbonisation and sustainable development. Holger was one of the co-founders as well as board member of SLOCAT and Director for WRI’s sustainable transport program.He has published over 100 articles including the influential Avoid-Shift-Improve concept. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at international events on sustainable mobility and climate change.
Seamless Connectivity
Lidia Signor
Head of Multimodal Mobility Unit - The International Association of Public Transport (UITP)
Lidia Signor is the Head of the new UITP unit that covers combined mobility (focusing on the integration of mass transit with active and shared mobility) as well as shared mobility. Italian national, she got her main degree from Ecole des Ponts, France, in Urban Mobility Planning and Design. After her professional experience in France, Peru and Morocco and before joining UITP 4 years ago, she gained valuable expertise in stakeholders’ coordination at the MaaS Alliance and in European project management at ERTICO-ITS Europe, based in Brussels. She speaks Italian, French, Spanish, English and a basic Portuguese.
David Sarfatti
Senior Advisor - International Union of Railways (UIC)
David Sarfatti, a 1998 graduate with a Master’s Degree in Mathematics from the University of Caen, France, and Applied Statistics from the University of Joensuu, Finland, has built a successful career path. Formerly an IT Project Manager in the French Railway and European Distribution expert at Avancial Paris, one of SNCF’s IT Branch, he has been the Chairman of the UIC working group for Rail Passenger Ticketing since 2012.
Specializing in UIC European standardization, David has been instrumental in driving the digitalization of rail tickets, leading the development of innovative barcodes and paperless ticket solutions. Recognized for his expertise, he assumed the role of Senior Advisor in the UIC Passenger Department in 2019, showcasing his commitment to advancing the future of rail ticketing through innovation and cooperation.
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