The operation of railways contributes to the organization of an efficient transport system and plays an important role in achieving sustainable development in transport (Craven & Philippe 2017). Firstly, the railway is an environmentally friendly mode of transport, contributing to the reduction of emissions. Secondly, railway operations can be easily organized in accordance with the principles of environmental sustainability, including the efficient use of land, resources and energy. Moreover, the development of railway systems contributes to reducing the volume of traffic by road and air, which reduces the traffic flow in cities and reduces the impact on the environment from the transport sector. (Stawiarski 2020.)
The study of environmental sustainability on the railway
The purpose of the study (Baranova & Efimovskij 2023) was to understand how Finnish railways affect the environment and what actions are being taken to achieve sustainable management in their organization. The aim of the study was to understand what contribution railways can make to reducing the harmful impact on the environment. It was also necessary to find out what actions the Finnish railway should take to improve its sustainable development strategy. To achieve the purpose of the study, the activities of the Finnish railway were compared with the activities of two other European railways. For comparison, the Finnish company VR Group, the German company DB Group and the Luxembourg railway company CFL Group were selected. (Baranova & Efimovskij 2023.)
Sustainable actions of Finnish railway
In the process of research, it was found out what actions the Finnish railway company is taking in the field of environmental sustainability. VR Group is actively engaged in reducing its environmental impact. It uses a Code of Conduct for Suppliers, successfully reduces greenhouse gas emissions and invests in emission reduction projects.
According to VR Group (2023), the company also follows the goals of the state to achieve climate neutrality and complies with international environmental management standards. In its strategy, the railway adheres to the Sustainable Development Goals. To reduce the environmental impact, the railway uses energy from renewable sources, modernizes the traction train and attracts investments in its company for sustainable development. The company also aims to increase waste recycling and prevent chemical leaks. (Baranova & Efimovskij 2023.)
Ways of increasing the environmental sustainability
According to Baranova & Efimovskij (2023), to achieve sustainable development and protect the environment, the Finnish railway should review the waste management system and use innovative methods to prevent waste generation, as well as protect the environment from noise and vibration of trains. The company can benefit from the experience of the German and Luxembourg railways in installing acoustic barriers and developing a noise reduction strategy.
It is also necessary to ensure the safe habitation and movement of animals, using the experience of the German and Luxembourg railways. Moreover, it is important to participate in international initiatives and exchange of experience to develop new ideas and innovations.
Authors
Anastasiia Baranova is a Bachelor of Business Administration Student at LAB University of Applied Sciences.
Riitta Turkia works as a Senior Lecturer at LAB University of Applied Sciences.
References
Baranova, A. & Efimovskii, E. 2023. Railway Sustainability : sustainability of railways in Finland and other European countries. LAB University of Applied Sciences. Thesis (Bachelor’s degree). Cited 7 Jun 2023. Available at https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2023060117318
Craven, N. & Philippe, M. 2017. Railways as the Backbone of Environmentally Sustainable Transport and their Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UN Centre for Regional Development. Cited 6 Jun 2023. Available at https://www.uncrd.or.jp/content/documents/4952Background%20Paper%20(2)-EST%20Plenary%20Session%2011.pdf
Stawiarski, J. P. 2020. Rail is key to decarbonise the transport sector and contribute to the EU’s green recovery. European Committee of the Regions. Cited 6 Jun 2023. Available at https://cor.europa.eu/en/news/Pages/Rail-is-key-to-decarbonise-the-transport-sector-and-contribute-to-the-EU-s-green-recovery-.aspx
VR Group. 2023. Corporate Responsibility Report 2022. Cited 7 Jun 2023. Available at https://vrgroup.studio.crasman.cloud/file/dl/i/ufwYkg/5mv0IylVOgBIGi0fTSliGw/VR_Group_Corporate_Responsibility_Report_2022.pdf
