RSSB targets ‘inconsistent and inefficient’ emissions reporting with Rail Carbon Accounting Framework

Train journeys are already one of the lowest-emission choices for passengers in the UK, but there is a lot more work to be done on the track to net zero by 2050. Roughly 60% of the network has not yet been electrified, while not all of that electricity comes from green sources.

The sector has faced an “enormous challenge” in affordably reducing its emissions, according to a major industry body – but, it hopes, a new tool could help.

Launched yesterday (7 October) by the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB), the Rail Carbon Accounting Framework (RCAF) is designed to standardise carbon measurement and reporting across the UK rail industry.

“Before now, carbon reporting across the rail sector was inconsistent and inefficient,” an RSSB announcement said. The lack of a unified framework prevented calculation of the sector’s total emissions and consistent benchmarking of rail performance, the organisation said. It also caused unnecessary costs, the announcement continued, because rail organisations had to develop their own, separate, accounting methods. 

“The rail industry faces an enormous challenge in affordably reducing emissions across its numerous activities and entities,” said Noah Myers, RSSB’s carbon lead.

“The RCAF replaces fragmented calculation methodologies with a unified approach that supports both strategic planning and operational decision-making. This will save time and money, improve data quality and enable smarter investment in sustainability.”

Developed in collaboration with the rail industry and the government, the framework uses several approaches to tackle the industry’s problems. It includes a standardised methodology that aligns with standards such as ISO 14064, the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and the Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi), aimed at ensuring “consistency and credibility”.

Aimed at providing sector-wide coverage, the framework includes tailored guidance for passenger and freight operators, rolling stock companies and infrastructure managers, such as practical guidance and resources for setting greenhouse gas targets and calculating reductions.

“RCAF is a powerful framework designed to help the rail industry align its carbon reporting. Before this was published, it was tricky for each company to know exactly what carbon data they should account for in their impact reporting,” said Graham Mollison, project sponsor and head of sustainability for Southeastern Rail.

“RCAF provides us with clarity and certainty as we all develop our carbon accounting methodologies. The publication of the framework will support industry to account for its progress toward net zero.”