Event details

Join the Delivering a NetZero Railway online conference to gain insights into the strategies shaping the future of sustainable railways. This event will cover key topics such as biodiversity, highlighting the importance of protecting ecosystems while developing infrastructure, and electrification, and showcasing advancements in reducing carbon emissions. You’ll also explore how building in NetZero principles from the ground up can create eco-friendly operations and learn about weather resilience strategies to ensure railways withstand the impacts of climate change. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover how to drive sustainability and build a resilient, carbon-neutral railway for the future.


   

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Who Attends

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  • 08:30 AM - 08:45 AM

    Keynote - Rachael Everard, Director of Sustainability, RSSB


    Rachael Everard
    Rachael Everard Director of Sustainability RSSB

  • 08:55 AM - 09:55 AM

    Biodiversity

    The panel will discuss the role of railway corridors as habitats for diverse flora and fauna, highlighting their ecological significance. They will focus on successful case studies where biodiversity conservation measures were integrated into railway projects. The role of technology in monitoring and enhancing biodiversity will be examined, including the use of drones, remote sensing, and data analytics. Strategies for collaboration between railway operators, environmental organisations, and local communities will be explored, emphasising partnerships that support biodiversity efforts. The discussion will also cover the benefits of biodiversity for the railway sector, such as improved environmental performance, enhanced landscape aesthetics, and positive impacts on public perception and community relations.



    Dr Neil Strong
    Dr Neil Strong Biodiversity Strategy Manager Network Rail

    I studied forestry and ecology as an undergraduate (Edinburgh) and a post-graduate (Portsmouth).  After a brief foray in to the furniture industry manging European funded research projects, I joined the railway in 2001 as the its first arboriculturist.  20-odd years later I am biodiversity strategy manager providing expertise and support on sustainable management of the whole estate necessary to improve the safety and biodiversity of the rail network.  My early railway roles worked on management of lineside assets including vegetation and boundary measures.  My current focus is delivering guidance and tools to integrate the management of biodiversity on the rail network into existing practice.  This work has to take account of environmental and social obligations on an estate where trains pass at up to 125mph.

    David Prŷs-Jones
    David Prŷs-Jones Ecology & Biodiversity Technical Lead HS2

  • 09:50 AM - 10:50 AM

    Electrification

    The panel will discuss the progress of electrification projects in the UK, highlighting successes and areas for development. They will examine the economic, environmental, and operational benefits, such as reduced emissions and lower costs. Technological advancements in electrification and challenges related to implementation will be addressed. Strategies for collaboration between government bodies, rail operators, and stakeholders will be explored, emphasising the importance of a coordinated approach. The role of electrification in supporting the UK's sustainability and climate goals will also be discussed.

    Jonathan Brown
    Jonathan Brown Strategic Rail Lead Transport for the North

    Jonathan Brown is Strategic Rail Lead at Transport for the North, the sub-National Transport Body for the North of England.  Transport for the North is a partnership of Mayoral Combined Authorities and local authorities across the North and our role is to support and add value, particularly on cross-cutting issues like rail. Jonathan’s role involves supporting delivery of the Strategic Transport Plan including through the Northern Powerhouse Rail programme. Jonathan is a transport planner and has worked at Transport for the North since 2016 having previously worked in local transport and economic development agencies. He has led work on improving local and regional rail services through increased frequency and capacity and supported development of Transport for the North’s rail strategy which recognises the need for further electrification in the North.

    Luisa Moisio
    Luisa Moisio Director of Research and Central Stakeholder in the Rail Technical Strategy RSSB

    Garry Keenor
    Garry Keenor Professional Head for Electrification Transportation AtkinsRéalis

    Garry is a career electrification engineer with 34 years’ experience in the industry. Garry joined BR’s graduate training scheme in 1991 and since then has delivered a wide range of AC and DC electrification designs on projects in the UK and overseas including major multidisciplinary projects. He has been involved with many of the UK electrification projects in the UK, including Great Western and Midland Mainline.

     

    Garry is Technical Director for Atkins and acts as Atkins' Professional Head for Electrification. He is also responsible for all Atkins OLE design in the South West. He is the author of the standard reference book on electrification, “Overhead Line Electrification for Railways” which is available as a free download.

  • 10:50 AM - 11:50 AM

    Building a NetZero Freight Strategy

    The panel will discuss the progress of initiatives to reduce carbon emissions in the rail sector, highlighting successful case studies and areas for further development. They will examine the role of alternative energy sources, such as electrification, hydrogen fuel cells, and battery-powered trains, in achieving net-zero targets. The importance of sustainable infrastructure design, including energy-efficient stations and eco-friendly construction, will be explored. Discussions will cover the economic and environmental benefits of transitioning to a net-zero railway, such as reduced emissions and long-term cost savings. Strategies for collaboration between government bodies, rail operators, and stakeholders will be emphasised, along with the role of public awareness and passenger engagement in supporting the transition to a sustainable rail network.

    Dan Fredriksson
    Dan Fredriksson Development Manager Network Rail

    Phil Smart
    Phil Smart Assistant Policy Manager Rail Freight Group

  • 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM

    Weather Resilience

    The panel will discuss the impact of extreme weather on the UK's railway network, highlighting vulnerabilities and successful resilience measures. They will focus on technology for monitoring and predicting weather impacts, including advanced forecasting systems, remote sensors, and data analytics. Engineering solutions such as infrastructure upgrades and improved drainage systems will be explored. Strategies for collaboration between government bodies, rail operators, and stakeholders will emphasise a coordinated approach. The economic and operational benefits of investing in weather resilience, including reduced disruptions and improved safety, will also be discussed.

     


    Tawhida Yaacoub
    Tawhida Yaacoub Integrated Transport Programme Lead Midlands Connect

    Tawhida Yaacoub Programme Lead at Midlands Connect joined since 2022 as part of the Rail team. Following a career “on the ground” working on the railway as a Station Manager, a Senior Conductor Manager with London Midland and West Midlands Trains and as a Station Alliance Lead with West Midlands Rail Executive. Prior to her career in the railway, Tawhida worked abroad for the United Nations and before that for a number of years in television news production.

    During her time at Midlands Connect, she spearheaded the rail corridor infrastructure improvement projects on the Nottingham to Lincoln rail corridor and the Black Country-Shrewsbury corridor. As well leading on Multimodal projects to do with Network Resilience and Multimodal Interchange in the Midlands.

    Julie Gregory
    Julie Gregory Head of Climate Resilience and Sustainable Growth Network Rail

    After gaining a Masters in Meteorology Julie embarked on her career by working at the Met Office’s Hadley Centre for Climate Prediction and Research, firstly in climate research, and later in climate impacts consultancy. She then went on to work for Network Rail in operational weather resilience followed by a variety of project roles including as senior sponsor of the enhanced sea walls at Dawlish in Devon. She now leads the Climate Resilience and Sustainable Growth team for Network Rail’s Wales & Western Region, aiming to deliver a simpler, better, greener railway fit for the future.

     

    Sam Longman
    Sam Longman Head of Sustainability and Corporate Environment Transport for London

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