The industry-leading ‘A lower cost, higher performing net zero railway’ report published this year was just one example of RIA championing the case for cost effective decarbonisation, starting with the Electrification Cost Challenge in 2019. This event will examine how rail can contribute to the Government’s push towards net zero.
This event is being run in collaboration with RSSB.
This event will look at the latest evidence on the best path to decarbonise rail cost effectively by 2050, with a focus on innovative technology and new commercial models.
Key questions:
Demonstrate what needs to be done for rail to be net-zero by 2050
Outcome: recognition that decarbonisation in all its forms is a good investment for UK plc that needs to start now.
Thought leadership:
Each speaker at Future of Rail events will be invited to write a short editorial, outlining their arguments further.
Agenda & Speakers
10:00 | Registration & Networking
11:00 | Welcome & Housekeeping
David Clarke, Senior Technical Advisor, RIA – Introduction to Future of Rail series & progress update
Rachael Everard, Director of Sustainable Development, RSSB – Welcome to RSSB & housekeeping
Morning Focus: Operational & Embodied Carbon, Climate Resilience
11:10 | Keynote Address
Richard Allan, MD of Chiltern Railway & Chair of Sustainable Rail Executive
The imperative to act & high-level outline of the Sustainable Rail Blueprint
11:30 | A Supplier’s Journey
Helene Berthonneau, Senior Environmental Sustainability Manager, Skanska
11:50 | Panel Discussion: Are We on Target?
Focus: Operational (except traction), Embodied Carbon & Climate Resilience
Panel Chair: Richard Allan
Panellists:
Helene Berthonneau, Skanska
Sarah Borien, Network Rail
Ben Warren, RSSB
Sam Jones, RSSB (Climate Adaptation)
12:45 | Networking Lunch
Afternoon Focus: Traction Decarbonisation – A Whole System Approach
13:45 | Speaker Sessions (10-15 min each, followed by Q&A Panel)
Train Operator Views:
Neil Drury, Engineering & Infrastructure Director, South Western Railway – Why & how to decarbonise
Rich Fisher, Business Lead – Project Churchward, Great Western Railway
Rolling Stock Manufacturers' View:
Jim Brewin, Chief Director UK & Ireland, Hitachi Rail
14:30 | Tea & Coffee Break (15 min)
Developing a Decarbonisation Strategy:
Jonathan Williams, Lead Strategic Planner, Network Rail
Decarbonisation Delivery Challenge:
David Clarke, Senior Technical Advisor, RIA
15:00 | Panel Discussion
Panel Chair: Rachael Everard
Panellists:
Neil Drury, South Western Railway
Jim Brewin, Hitachi Rail
Jonathan Williams, Network Rail
David Clarke, RIA
15:45 | Concluding Remarks
Rachael Everard, Director of Sustainable Development, RSSB
16:00 | Event Closes
About the Future of Rail Series
In RIA’s 150th year, and marking the 200th anniversary of the railway, the RIA Future of Rail series leads and shapes the national debate on the future of the rail sector. Through a programme of dynamic events held across the UK, this series tackles some of the rail industry's most pressing topics, from demand and investment to devolution and exports.
With themes including Demand, Rail Reform, Decarbonisation & Climate Adaptation, Integrated Transport, Investment, Stations, Devolution, Exports, and Whole System Planning, the series brings together thought leaders and industry experts to explore innovative solutions that benefit the sector and the country as a whole. Free for RIA members, these events provide a unique platform for fresh ideas, evidence-based insights, and strategic discussions.
RIA actively invites contributions from organisations with pioneering perspectives and research to shape the conversation, drive progress, and inspire meaningful change for the future of rail.