A net-zero railfreight terminal
DB Cargo UK has implemented a range of environmental measures at its Cricklewood railfreight terminal in North London, aiming to achieve net-zero status.
The terminal, used to transport aggregates and construction waste, already reduces road congestion by shifting freight from trucks to rail, with each train replacing up to 129 HGVs and emitting 76% less CO₂, as the company states. Sustainability measures include a green acoustic barrier, rewilding efforts, water recycling and sourcing 100% renewable energy. The site has also switched to hydro-treated vegetable oil (HVO) for on-site machinery, cutting scope 1 emissions by 98 t of CO₂e per year, according to the company.
Additional upgrades include fuel-efficient machinery, an improved wheel-wash system and electric vehicle charging points. Sustainability manager Stacie Scullion stated that the company is working towards official carbon-neutral certification and aims to apply similar initiatives to other terminals in the UK. “Cricklewood is now the jewel in our crown,” according to Scullion. (js)