The South Rail Systems Alliance (SRSA) Bristol division has successfully completed a two-week possession at Stoke Gifford, demonstrating a pioneering approach to sustainable rail project delivery. The initiative achieved a 42% reduction in carbon emissions.
In partnership with Network Rail, the team established a ‘green site’ by sourcing sustainable fuels, materials, and welfare facilities. The works involved two plain line track renewal blockades, totalling 1,418 metres of track on the down and up tunnel lines, alongside comprehensive overhead line adjustments and panning.
Green Delivery Methodology
Sustainable Delivery Approach
To minimise environmental impact, the team selected Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) produced rail, commonly referred to as Green Rail. This method uses scrap steel, supporting a circular economy and cutting carbon emissions by 241 tonnesLow carbon concrete was used to manufacture the sleepers, contributing a further 110-tonne reduction in emissions.Battery-powered tools were employed throughout the site to further support the low-emission strategy.
Supply Chain Engagement
Road Rail Vehicles supplied by AP Webb, along with our Tamper fleet, were fuelled using Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) in place of diesel. This switch led to a 34.8-tonne decrease in carbon output and helped reduce pollution affecting nearby residents and wildlife.
Solar-powered welfare units from SolGen were also introduced, working in tandem with HVO to save an additional 8.8 tonnes of carbon.
The Results
Altogether, the measures implemented by the SRSA team resulted in a total carbon reduction of 395 tonnes—a 42% improvement over conventional methods and materials.
Speaking about the success of the project, Colas Rail UK Project Director, Shaun Hodges said “Delivering this scheme successfully, on time and without incident while using sustainable materials and tools is a proof of concept that we can take a big step in our journey towards a net zero railway.
“Engaging our trusted on track plant supply chain, tools and material suppliers to join us on this trial and embrace these greener methods were crucial in helping us reduce our carbon emissions substantially.”
Mark Parker, Lead Portfolio Manager for Network Rail and SRSA said: “We’re delighted this work has been successfully completed with a real focus on sustainable delivery. Making small changes like these makes a big difference in reducing our carbon footprint.
“Cementing rail’s position as the greenest form of public transport is critical to the industry in the coming years and we are fully committed to working alongside our partners and contractors to achieve this.”
First published: 7th August 2025