Trainline's science-based net zero targets approved

Firm becomes one of UK’s first 100 companies to have net-zero targets approved by SBTi

Trainline has unveiled its science-based net zero targets have been officially verified by Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), the global body enabling businesses to set ambitious emissions reduction targets in line with climate science. 

This verification sees the firm become one of the first 100 UK-based companies to have its net-zero targets approved by SBTi, and one of around 550 businesses globally to have set these net-zero targets.

It's committed to achieving a package of emission reductions. It has said it will reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across the value chain by 2040.

It will reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions 55.2% by 2030 from a 2020 base year and that 80% of its suppliers by spend covering purchased goods and services will have science-based targets by 2028.

Commitment was also made to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions 90% by 2040 versus 2020, while it reduces absolute scope 3 GHG greenhouse gas emissions 90% within the same time frame.

Trainline is "dedicated to action" on three key priority areas, focused on "driving positive change and reducing emissions in the transport sector.".

These include measure and reduce, educate and inform, and to influence and change.

As part of these key focus areas, Trainline will aim to reduce their scope 1 and 2 emissions at an "accelerated pace" through the deployment of renewable electricity, and procurement of lower-carbon gas alternatives.

Due to the large portion of scope 3 emissions in Trainline’s carbon footprint, there is a focus on supplier engagement in the short-to-medium term, to ensure suppliers remain actively invested in reducing the emissions of their products as well.

It is also working with key suppliers to develop bespoke activity-based models and lifecycle assessments, for example digital marketing, to improve emissions measurement.

Recent initiatives like personalised carbon dashboards, which show the CO2 emissions saved by taking the train instead of driving, are helping people understand the impact of their travel and driving travellers to make more conscious choices, while the firm has implemented “I came by train” movement to "celebrate and build greater public awareness of the environmental benefits of rail travel".

Its goal is to increase the number of citizens choosing to travel by train, in order to support the UK Climate Change Committee’s targets for a 30% increase in passenger rail travel by 2035.

Pete Wood, chief financial officer of Trainline, said: “We promote rail and its credentials as a greener travel choice than car or plane, so that means we must also lead by example when it comes to the environmental impact of our own business. 

"We have committed to net zero through these science-based targets to show we are determined to substantially reduce our carbon emissions, and to play our part in addressing the climate change challenge facing society.”