Sustainability
Reducing our carbon footprint and doing things in a more sustainable way is integral to the SVR’s operation. We’ve set up a volunteer Sustainability Advisory Group, to look across our business and identify where and how we can make changes. We recognize that many activities that promote sustainability are also cost-saving, that that’s something we are very keen to do in the current difficult economic climate!
Our video shows how we’re working with Vanguard Sustainable Transport Solutions and the University of Birmingham on the Harrier Hydroshunter project.
The Hydroshunter is a carbon zero solution that enables the Severn Valley Railway to decrease overall harmful carbon emissions, and push the boundaries of our sustainability practices. Enhancing the required behind-the-scenes elements of the SVR like shunting, maintenance and moving vehicles around means that we are well on our way to de-carbonise the railway!
These are some of the things we’re already doing:
The Harrier ‘Hydroshunter’ project is an ongoing innovation to convert a shunter engine from diesel to hydrogen power, in collaboration with regional partners the University of Birmingham and Vanguard Sustainable Transport Solutions. Shunter engines are the workhorses of the Railway, and our hydroshunter will have zero carbon emissions at the point of use.
We’re undertaking a massive exercise across the Railway to gather up scrap metal of all types for recycling – this is not only sustainable but also brings us some welcome income. So far we’ve generated £47,000, and the work continues!
When we carried out an extensive upgrade in 2022 to Bridgnorth Locomotive Shed we incorporated translucent panels in the roof to reduce the need for electric lighting, and we installed state-of-the-art LED lighting which uses a fraction of the power previously needed.
Wherever possible we use secondhand, upcycled track components that have been recovered from the main line or elsewhere. Our current project to upgrade the track around Bridgnorth Yard is a good example of this. We’re aiming to find a total of four secondhand turnouts (sets of points) for the next phase of this important project – two are already secured.
Our catering department now uses biodegradable cups, plates and cutlery for take-away items.
We send out e-tickets to our visitors rather than paper ones in the post. And we’re transitioning to email communications with our supporters such as shareholders. Email isn’t carbon-free, but it has a much lower impact than paper.
Our gardeners at Kidderminster have created a large bug, bee, butterfly and bird hotel from pallets, twigs and other natural materials to support wildlife.
The SVR-based Western Locomotive Association is the first diesel-owning group in the country to go carbon neutral. Working with a specialist rewilding charity, it’s planting trees in the Scottish Highlands to offset the carbon produced by operating its Class 52 Westerns on the Severn Valley.
Recycled water used in the carriage-cleaning machine which greatly reduces the need for mains water.
The Railway now extensively holds online meetings and some staff occasionally work from home – reducing the need for travel and reducing our carbon footprint.
Updated June 2023
