In this episode I talk with RSSB's recently appointed Director for Sustainable Development, George Davies, about his vision for a new Rail Sustainability Strategy. He also talks about his plans for how to collaborate with industry colleagues to agree, implement, and communicate the strategy and the progress it achieves.
00:55 The broad scope of sustainability, its definition, and its primary elements.
02:59 How Sir David Attenborough ignited his passion for the environment.
04:19 Pandemics as a result of human activity, and the climate emergency.
05:42 Transitioning from aviation to the railway and the issues to be addressed.
08:22 Rail's challenges for sustainability—hydrogen and battery power.
09:53 Delivering social benefit, and getting freight off the roads.
11:36 Rail's strategic objectives, and defining the Sustainable Rail Strategy.
14:34 How to set out 'flagship industry goals' on carbon, air quality, social impact, and biodiversity; and their route maps.
16:27 The mission to demystify sustainability and make it an accessible topic.
17:43 Engaging with industry groups and sectors to achieve the strategy's goals.
19:25 The need to engage with rolling stock owners and leasing companies.
20:24 Working with central and devolved governments, and with charitable organisations.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Online explanations of a 'stranded asset' in an environmental context:
London School of Economics – Grantham Institute: https://www.lse.ac.uk/granthaminstitute/explainers/what-are-stranded-assets/
Carbon Tracker: https://carbontracker.org/terms/stranded-assets/
Other related resources:
The RSSB Sustainability web page: https://www.rssb.co.uk/sustainability
The RSSB Decarbonisation web page: https://www.rssb.co.uk/sustainability/decarbonisation