We’re the greener way to go

Earth Day comes around once a year, but we think we’re pretty green all year around. As part of our Tread Lightly commitment, we’re constantly striving to be more environmentally friendly and leave the lightest carbon footprint that we can. Here are a few things we’re doing to make train travel even cleaner.

*The analysis of Eurostar versus air emissions has been based on an independent analysis by Paul Watkiss Associates Ltd.

The comparison between Eurostar and aviation is made based on the kg of greenhouse gas emissions [CO2(e)] per train journey per passenger for an average single trip (based on the average of the outward and return journey).  This allows a direct, accurate and fair analysis, i.e. a like for like comparison, as it takes account of the fact that rail journeys are typically longer (in km) than equivalent air journeys (so for rail, emissions per passenger journey are higher than emissions per passenger km, when compared to air). 

For the estimation of Eurostar emissions, energy use data (electricity consumption) from Eurostar trains (on scheduled services) has been measured using on-board meters.  The additional electricity losses in the high voltage, rail transmission and distribution systems, i.e. from the power station to the train itself, are also included in the electricity consumption per journey. Load factors (passenger numbers) are based on the latest full year of reported passenger and train data.