Rail’s Race to Net Zero

As the UK races toward net zero, decarbonising rail is no longer a distant ambition—it’s an urgent necessity. While electrification remains the gold standard for clean, efficient rail travel, many parts of the network still rely on diesel traction, especially in rural and regional areas. The challenge now is to accelerate electrification where possible, and deploy credible, scalable alternatives where it’s not.

This panel brings together transport planners, engineers, sustainability experts, and rolling stock innovators to explore the future of low-carbon traction across the UK rail network. We’ll examine:

• The strategic case for expanding electrification and overcoming delivery barriers

• Emerging technologies including battery-electric, hydrogen, and hybrid propulsion systems

• How to prioritise routes and regions for investment based on carbon impact, cost, and connectivity

• Lessons from pilot projects and international models driving innovation in rail decarbonisation

This is a conversation about pragmatism, progress, and the power of clean technology. Join us to explore how the UK can move beyond diesel—and toward a rail system that’s faster, cleaner, and fit for the future.

As the UK rail industry accelerates toward net zero, the design of stations and routes must evolve to meet both environmental and community needs. From low-carbon materials and energy-efficient buildings to biodiversity corridors and active travel integration, eco-friendly design is reshaping how rail infrastructure supports sustainability, resilience, and public wellbeing.

This panel brings together architects, engineers, transport planners, and sustainability leaders to explore how station and route design can contribute to a greener rail network. We’ll examine:

• How to embed sustainability into the full lifecycle of infrastructure—from planning and construction to operation and maintenance

• Innovations in green building design, renewable energy use, and climate-resilient architecture

• Strategies for integrating rail with walking, cycling, and public transport to reduce car dependency

• Case studies of stations and routes that are setting new standards for environmental performance and community value

This is a conversation about design with purpose—where infrastructure becomes a driver of climate action and inclusive growth. Join us to explore how eco-friendly station and route design can help build a rail system that’s not only efficient, but regenerative.

As the UK rail industry strives toward net zero and resource efficiency, embracing circular economy principles is no longer optional—it’s essential. Moving beyond the traditional “take-make-dispose” model, a circular approach to rail operations focuses on designing out waste, extending asset life, and regenerating natural systems.

This panel brings together sustainability leaders, asset managers, engineers, and supply chain experts to explore how circular economy thinking can be embedded across rail operations. We’ll examine:

• Strategies for reusing, refurbishing, and remanufacturing rolling stock, components, and infrastructure

• How procurement and maintenance models can support circularity and reduce lifecycle costs

• The role of data, digital twins, and condition-based monitoring in enabling smarter resource use

• Case studies of circular initiatives—from track materials to uniforms—that are delivering environmental and economic value

This is a conversation about systems change, innovation, and long-term resilience. Join us to explore how circular economy practices can help build a rail network that’s not only greener—but smarter, leaner, and more sustainable by design.

Decarbonising the UK rail network is not just a technical challenge—it’s a policy imperative. From electrification and rolling stock innovation to modal shift and supply chain reform, the transition to net zero demands coordinated action across government, industry, and regulators. The question is: what policy levers will unlock the scale, speed, and certainty needed to deliver?

This panel brings together policymakers, transport economists, sustainability experts, and industry leaders to explore how public policy can drive rail decarbonisation. We’ll examine:

• The role of regulation, funding frameworks, and strategic planning in accelerating low-carbon rail

• How government can incentivise innovation, investment, and modal shift from road to rail

• Opportunities to align rail policy with broader net zero, levelling up, and industrial strategy goals

• Lessons from devolved administrations and international models of policy-led decarbonisation

This is a conversation about leadership, alignment, and ambition. Join us to explore how smart policy can turn climate commitments into rail transformation—and help build a transport system fit for a zero-carbon future.