Eurostar, the swift train service connecting the UK with France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, has declared an ambitious aim to foster sustainable travel for 30 million passengers while reducing its carbon footprint by 2030. This intention was outlined in its inaugural sustainability report, which concentrates on three critical areas.
Firstly, Eurostar is focusing on diminishing its environmental impact by turning to renewable energy sources to meet its power needs and decreasing its overall energy consumption. A notable initiative is the agreement with Infrabel, signed in February 2024, exploring new solar energy solutions to electrify its trains.
Secondly, the strategy includes embedding circular economy principles across its operations, from production through to the end of product life cycles, enhancing resource efficiency and reducing waste. For instance, Eurostar’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its catering choices, which have earned it a three-star rating from the Food Made Good Awards, recognizing its dedication to sustainable and eco-friendly food options.
Thirdly, Eurostar aims to draw more travelers to its eco-friendly services by enhancing connections with domestic transport and international flights, such as through its partnership with KLM, creating seamless travel hubs.
“This is a deliberately ambitious target, Eurostar wants to use its brand and commitment to accelerate change across the sector,” explains Eurostar CEO Gwendoline Cazenave. “To achieve our goal, we work closely together with our partners in each of our markets, we encourage regulatory support for the rapid deployment of new renewable energy projects.”
To facilitate this work, Eurostar recently joined the RE100 alliance with companies committed to sourcing 100% of their energy from renewable sources. “We’re proud to be the first rail company to join,” continues Gwendoline Cazenave. “Today, the transport sector accounts for 25% of European greenhouse gas emissions, making sustainable high-speed rail a key solution to a quarter of Europe’s climate problem”.
Ollie Wilson, Head of RE100, Climate Group: “We’re delighted to welcome Eurostar to RE100, the first rail firm to join. Eurostar is setting a global example and leading the way on renewables powering our rail networks. Eurostar now has the opportunity to draw on a global network of over 400 companies as it works towards 30 million journeys a year powered by 100% renewable electricity by 2030. We encourage other businesses in the rail sector to follow Eurostar’s lead and commit to 100% renewable electricity.”
Eurostar’s overarching goal is the transition to 100% renewable energy by 2030. Currently, its trains in the Netherlands are powered entirely by wind energy since 2017, and in the UK, 40% of its train energy comes from renewable sources as of 2023. Additionally, the recent memorandum with Infrabel in Belgium marks a significant step towards pioneering solar-powered train operations.
Eurostar takes responsibility for reducing its own emissions and environmental footprint to ensure that every one of its passengers is transported at the lowest possible environmental cost. “We’re building the backbone of sustainable travel in Europe, with a target of 30 million passengers by 2030, at the same time we’re also committed to building the mode of international transport that has the least negative impact on the planet, reducing emissions even as we grow.”
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