Eurostar’s green journey: targeting 30 million passengers with sustainable travel by 2030
Eurostar, the high-speed rail network connecting major European cities including London, Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam, has set an ambitious target to enable 30 million passengers to travel sustainably while significantly reducing carbon emissions by 2030.
In its inaugural sustainability report, Eurostar outlines a comprehensive strategy focusing on three key areas aimed at enhancing its environmental credentials and promoting sustainable travel practices.
Firstly, Eurostar is dedicated to reducing its environmental impact by transitioning to renewable energy sources for its traction needs and implementing energy-saving measures.
Noteworthy is its collaboration with Infrabel, as highlighted in the February 2024 Memorandum of Understanding, aimed at exploring innovative solar projects to power trains, showcasing its commitment to green energy solutions.
Secondly, the company is striving to integrate circularity throughout its value chain, emphasizing waste minimization and efficient resource utilization.
This commitment is exemplified by its thoughtful approach to on-board catering, where sustainable sourcing and environmentally friendly options are prioritized, earning Eurostar a prestigious three-star rating from the Food Made Good Awards.
Thirdly, Eurostar aims to attract more passengers to its low-carbon service by enhancing connectivity through initiatives such as “open hubs,” facilitating seamless connections to domestic networks and long-haul flights.
The airline-rail partnership with KLM exemplifies this approach, offering passengers convenient and eco-friendly travel options.
Central to Eurostar’s sustainability vision is the ambition to transition to 100% renewable energy by 2030.
By collaborating with partners and advocating for regulatory support, Eurostar aims to spearhead change within the transportation sector. Eurostar’s CEO, Gwendoline Cazenave, emphasises the company’s commitment to leveraging its brand and influence to accelerate industry-wide transformation towards sustainability. She said,
This is a deliberately ambitious target, Eurostar wants to use its brand and commitment to accelerate change across the sector. To achieve our goal, we work closely together with our partners in each of our markets, we encourage regulatory support for the rapid deployment of new renewable energy projects.
Eurostar’s membership in the RE100 alliance underscores its dedication to renewable energy adoption, making it the first rail company to join this global initiative.
Ollie Wilson, Head of RE100 at Climate Group, commends Eurostar’s leadership and encourages other businesses in the rail sector to follow suit in committing to renewable electricity,
We’re delighted to welcome Eurostar to RE100, the first rail firm to join. Eurostar is setting a global example and leading the way on renewables powering our rail networks.
Eurostar now has the opportunity to draw on a global network of over 400 companies as it works towards 30 million journeys a year powered by 100% renewable electricity by 2030. We encourage other businesses in the rail sector to follow Eurostar’s lead and commit to 100% renewable electricity.
Eurostar’s progress towards sustainability is already evident, with its trains in the Netherlands powered by 100% wind energy since 2017 and achieving a 40% renewable energy usage in the UK since 2023. Collaborative efforts, such as the partnership with Infrabel in Belgium to explore solar energy projects, further demonstrate Eurostar’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint.
As Eurostar strives to achieve its goal of transporting 30 million passengers sustainably by 2030, the company remains steadfast in its commitment to building the backbone of sustainable travel in Europe. With a focus on reducing emissions and promoting eco-friendly practices, Eurostar aims to minimise its environmental impact while facilitating seamless and environmentally conscious travel experiences for its passengers.
For further information on Eurostar’s sustainability initiatives and how they impact your business travel experience, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.
