We’re delighted to share that Colas Rail UK in collaboration with our sister company, Colas Ltd launched the Journey to Net Zero Conference.
The Journey to Net Zero Conference brings together Road and Rail suppliers to promote and provoke discussion for sustainable mobility, with exhibitors showcasing their products and services and special guest speakers.
The event took place on 5th June to coincide with World Environment Day at the Black Country Living Museum, Dudley. The start of the conference began with introductions and opening remarks from Colas Rail Group CEO, Hervé Le Joliff, our UK CEO, Jean-Pierre Bertrand and Colas Ltd CEO, Faïçal Lahmamsi.
Hervé, Jean-Pierre and Faïçal were followed by a series of special guest speakers including:
- Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) Deputy CEO, Martin Baxter
- Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) Carbon Strategy Lead, Noah Myers
After a brief break, we welcomed to the stage representatives from Colas Rail UK and Colas Ltd, with Procurement Leads Antony Boulic and Rachael Morgan showcasing the shared vision of our sustainable journey.
This was followed by a special message from the Supply Chain Sustainability School by Customer Account Manager, Jenny Simpson.
Returning to the Colas Rail UK and Colas Ltd theme, a Q&A was arranged with Colas Rail UK Sustainability Director, Paul Taylor and Finance Director, Stephanie Carasco alongside Colas Ltd Sustainability Director, Craig Streak and Commercial Director, Chris Richardson.
After a pause for networking and refreshments, our attendees were given the chance to see cutting edge sustainable solutions with a carbon innovation exhibition from a variety of suppliers including:
- Onsite
- Steelphalt
- Welfarehire Nationwide
- Bastech
- FuelActive
- A&S International (SulNOx)
- Forests with Impact
- Novuna
- Zero Synthetic e-fuels
- Xeroc
- Syntech Biofuel
- Inntel
Speaking about the event, Colas Rail UK Safety & Sustainability Director, Paul Taylor said “After last year’s successful supplier conference, it was great to continue the discussion with our valued suppliers on how we can collectively continue our journey to net zero.
“It was clearly evident that the dialogue between us is maturing, and the actions already taking place becoming bigger and more effective. For example, nearly 70% of our suppliers stated that they were either signed up to the Science Based Targets initiative or working towards it which is a fantastic demonstration of their commitment.
“The innovation exhibition was extremely popular amongst delegates, as it gave them practical solutions to decarbonise our industry, whilst also giving the SMEs the business opportunity they deserved for being forward thinking in low carbon innovation.”
First published: 11th June 2024