Transport policy is interwoven with the social and economic fabric of the nation. Making rail transport convenient for more people expands access to training and employment opportunities. As well as bringing inclusion, fairness and economic gains, Access for All (AfA) also delivers many sustainability benefits.
More journeys made by rail mean fewer made by road or air – reducing CO2 emissions and improving air quality. But while there’s clear evidence that an individual AfA scheme will reduce car journeys and encourage people to travel by train who wouldn’t have done so in the past, the sustainability calculations are not simple. There’s always a bigger picture to consider.
Managing Sustainability With PAS 2080
AfA schemes inevitably involve construction and typically include substantial amounts of structural steelwork for ramps, footbridges and other structures. PAS 2080 is the British Standards Institute’s specification for carbon management in built infrastructure and the environment.
Applying the specification affects material selection, designing to minimise material quantities and simplify installation, prioritising offsite work, and collaboration with supply chain partners who share the commitment to sustainability.
Our approach to sustainability and reducing emissions is something that runs throughout our organisation. Our direct emissions are already carbon neutral and we aim to be fully net zero by 2035.
The Bigger Transport Picture
Making the station environment welcoming and easy to navigate for people with restricted mobility is part of the story. How people travel to and from the station is also hugely significant – and often not entirely within our control.
Collaboration with local authorities and car park owners helps to address the bigger accessibility picture: promoting easy modal shifts and more sustainable and accessible transport options to and from the station.
As the deliverer of the AfA scheme we can usually offer influence and practical support with broader accessibility issues. When other stakeholders are approached in the right way, at the right time, there’s usually a positive outcome and a more comprehensive solution.