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Etihad Rail launches region’s first CO2 reduction certificates

The certificates calculate carbon savings by choosing rail using EcoTransIT’s method, factoring in diesel and biofuel emissions.

Etihad Rail launches region’s first CO2 reduction certificates
[Source photo: Chetan Jha/Fast Company Middle East]

Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE National Railway Network, has introduced the region’s first “CO2 Emission Avoidance and Reduction Certificates,” showcasing the environmental advantages of rail transport for its customers.

This initiative highlights Etihad Rail’s commitment to supporting the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategy. It aligns with the nation’s climate ambitions by integrating a transparent Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework connected to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Powered by EcoTransIT, a globally recognized tool for assessing environmental impacts in transportation, the certificates accurately quantify the carbon savings businesses gain by opting for rail over other transport methods. Leveraging EcoTransIT’s advanced methodology, the certificates calculate CO2 equivalents (CO2e), incorporating direct emissions from diesel and indirect emissions from biofuels where applicable.

The calculation uses a Well-to-Wheel (WTW) analysis, providing a comprehensive assessment of fuel use throughout its lifecycle—from extraction to combustion. This method factors in cargo weight, distance, and geocoordinates. By comparing rail freight emissions to those of trucks, it highlights the significant environmental benefits of choosing rail transport.

The certificates offer customers quantifiable insights into the environmental benefits of transitioning freight from road to rail, aligning with their ESG goals and reinforcing their commitment to sustainability. By opting for rail, companies not only contribute to compliance with Federal Decree Law 11 of 2024 on the ‘Reduction of Climate Change Effects’ but also enhance their sustainability narratives. These certificates bolster corporate ESG reports, improve ratings, attract eco-conscious stakeholders, and position businesses as leaders in environmental responsibility.

Omar Alsebeyi, Executive Director of Commercial & Performance at Etihad Rail, emphasized the transformative potential of the certificates. “This initiative empowers businesses to take active roles in reducing their carbon footprint while leveraging the unparalleled efficiency and reliability of rail transport. By aligning with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategy and the UAE Climate Change law, we are driving transformative change in the logistics sector, building a more sustainable future for the UAE and the region,” he stated.

Etihad Rail’s vision for the future aims to revolutionize freight transport in the UAE, to move 60 million tonnes of cargo annually by 2030. This transition is poised to significantly impact the nation’s carbon footprint, cutting CO2 emissions from road transport by 21% annually by 2050. The initiative is expected to eliminate 8.2 million tonnes of CO2 emissions yearly, effectively replacing up to 300 trucks with a single train journey.

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