Environment

Thameslink has trained an enthusiastic team of employees to be Environmental Champions across our network. These Champions are our eyes and ears on the ground, looking and listening for any environmental issues and communicating good practice to their colleagues.

Thameslink remains fully certified to ISO14001 as we manage our environmental responsibilities in a systematic manner that contributes to the environmental pillar of sustainability.

ISO 14001 helps Thameslink to achieve the intended outcomes of our environmental management system. This provides enhancement of our environmental performance, fulfilment of compliance obligations and achievement of our environmental objectives.

Thameslink is fully certified to ISO 50001 for our Energy Management System.

ISO 50001 is our approach to managing energy use and consumption, including measurement, documentation and reporting, design and procurement practices for equipment, systems, processes, and personnel that contribute to energy performance.

Govia Thameslink Railway and Network Rail are working together to decarbonise the routes we operate and achieve carbon net zero targets by 2050. Both organisations have created carbon reduction programmes and are working together on joint initiatives and collaborative projects to ensure a whole-system industry approach to tackling climate change.

To do this we will:

• Publish our updated decarbonisation roadmap annually
• Continuously review options for renewable energy installations on our stations and depots
• Convert all lighting to LED where feasible by 2030
• Have all natural gas assets replaced by 2040
• Achieve net zero by 2050

Our Science-Based Targets

We are committed to tackling climate change and promoting sustainability within the transport sector and have established science-based targets (SBTs) that align with the latest climate science.

Why it matters?

Setting science-based targets is crucial for several reasons:

• Alignment with Global and National Goals: Our targets not only align with the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals but also support the UK government's commitment to achieving net zero by 2050. By adhering to these SBTs, we contribute to the broader objectives outlined in the Sustainable Rail Blueprint, which aims to create a more sustainable rail network across the UK.
• Risk Management: By proactively addressing our emissions, we are better positioned to manage risks associated with climate change, including regulatory changes, resource scarcity, and reputational impacts.
• Driving Innovation: Committing to SBTs encourages innovation within our organisation. It motivates us to explore new technologies and practices that can enhance efficiency and reduce emissions, leading to cost savings and more efficient use of resources. Ultimately, becoming a more sustainable rail operator.

Our Commitment

We are committed to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions 42% and scope 3 greenhouse gas emission 24% by FY2029. If you would like to learn more about our greenhouse gas emissions inventory and targets progress, please read latest GTR Science-based Targets report. We are dedicated to incorporating these science-based targets into our overall net zero strategy and making them a critical component of our decision-making processes.

You can find our Net Zero Strategy here:

Download our Decarbonisation Roadmap (PDF)

Download our Statement of Collaboration on Decarbonisation (PDF)

Download our Science-based Targets (PDF)

Download our Base Year Recalculation Policy (PDF)

All non-traction electricity used on Southern stations, offices and depots is provided through a green energy tariff supplied by SEE.

We are working hard to enhance biodiversity on the land under our control by collaborating with local wildlife trusts operating across our Geographical Area and developing and implementing biodiversity monitoring and improvement projects which will be included in our annual biodiversity plans.

We will collaborate to create, or enhance, 100 ‘homes for nature’ across our estate – ranging from bug hotels to wild gardens. We have begun working with the Wildlife Trusts to identify, survey, monitor and improve sites for biodiversity, using qualified ecologists to survey and advise on habitat management plans.

As part of an initiative to deliver the first “carbon positive” upgrade on the rail network, a new type of photovoltaic film was fitted to the new canopy roofing with the ability to produce more energy than the new building needs and put energy back into the electricity grid. Denmark Hill is the first station upgrade in Europe to use this photovoltaic ‘film’.