HS2 Sustainability Progress Report Template

In this section, we will discuss how HS2 evaluates its environmental impact, reduces negative consequences, and progresses in establishing and enforcing environmental regulations.

Is HS2 sustainable?

The HS2 UK railway is designed to be a zero-carbon, high-speed railway. This means that the train running on the railroad will fully operate on electricity alone and not on combustion engines. The railroad is also planned to be powered by sustainable energy, which helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels and provides a more environmentally friendly operation.

However, during the construction phases, disruptions to the natural environment have become unavoidable. The construction of the proposed railway station impacts wildlife, ecosystems, and natural habitats. But as a responsible body, the HS2 has made it certain to provide measures to reduce the effects of construction. They have provided three key ways—conserve, create, and compensate—as to how they will commit to conserving the environment and no net loss of biodiversity.

HS2 sustainability policy

HS2 has provided a sustainability policy in which it sets out the purposes and principles for building a sustainable railway. The HS2’s purpose states that their ambition is to build the most sustainable high-speed railway of its kind in the world. They seek a high-speed rail network that transforms the mode of transportation for intercity travel, revitalizes the railroad, boosts the economy, generates employment, decreases carbon emissions, and ensures dependable transit in a changing environment throughout the twenty-first century and beyond.

The HS2 sustainability approach & basis for a HS2 Sustainability Progress Report

The HS2 was established to promote economic progress, protect the environment, and create additional social benefits. Their sustainability approach at HS2 focuses their work into five themes that represent the economic, environmental, and social elements of sustainability. These themes are consistent with HS2's aim of becoming a catalyst for development throughout Britain, as well as our purpose. The 5 approaches are:

• Being a catalyst for regeneration and economic growth through the development of an integrated transport system, increasing the benefits to communities and individuals, and reducing negative impacts.
• Providing rewarding jobs and careers that are open to all in society, setting new standards for equality, diversity, and inclusion, and leaving a legacy of skills, learning, expertise, and experience.
• Creating a world-class 'safe at heart' culture where no one gets hurt and that places importance on the health and well-being of those who build, operate, use, and host HS2 services and infrastructure.
• Breaking new ground wherever possible on environmental standards, including resource use, waste, carbon reduction, the protection of the natural and historic environment, and safeguarding communities.
• Building a network that is resilient to climate change in the long term, adaptable to future trends and demands, and built around the needs of the people who will use it, in line with our Design vision.