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OUR SUSTAINABILITY

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We all want to help protect the planet, but it can be tough to know where to start. The great news is that some solutions can be both great for the planet and for us.

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Travel from London to Paris in 2 hours and 37 minutes.

No waiting for airport transfers upon arrival. No need to pay for extra luggage.

An onboard café and space to stretch your legs.

Beautiful countryside views as you dash by at 186mph.

That is where high-speed rail travel comes in. And the best part? You could make this journey 25 times and still produce fewer emissions than just one equivalent flight. In fact, thanks to people choosing to travel by train instead of flying, our high-speed line cuts down 750,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions every year.

 

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Paris

Breakfast in Paris? Dinner in Amsterdam? Guilt-free.

What is more, the benefits do not stop with international travel. By choosing to travel by train instead of driving, our highspeed line takes the equivalent of 6,000 cars off the roads every year.

Travelling from St. Pancras International to Stratford International takes just 7 minutes on our line. St. Pancras International to Ashford International takes just 37 minutes, faster than by car.

 

 

KEY SUCCESSES — SINCE 2019 WE HAVE:

Increased our share of renewable electricity by c.40% 

*equivalent volume of electricity purchased through power purchase agreements

Over £400,000 donated to charitable causes and value in-kind

Contributed over 2,700 hours of staff time to charitable causes

Surveyed over 300 football pitches of natural land

Reduced gas consumption across the London St. Pancras Highspeed estate by 35%

Protected rare Lizard Orchid plants on land owned by London St. Pancras Highspeed

(previously thought to be extinct in the area until the first sighting in over 100 years, in 2021).

Much More

THE GREENER WAY TO GO

City-centre to city-centre train travel is more environmentally friendly, and more convenient.

  • 90% lower emissions
    *compared to equivalent international flights
  • 40% renewable electricity
    *equivalent volume of electricity purchased through power purchase agreements
  • City-To-City
    Travel directly from city centre to city centre and avoid those airport transfers
  • 6,000 fewer cars
    *our domestic services reduce net emissions equivalent to removing 6,000 cars from the roads every year
  • 60,000 fewer flights
    *our international services reduce net emissions equivalent to removing 60,000 flights from the skies every year

OUR PRIORITIES

We have a major advantage over other forms of transport, but we are always looking to improve. Back in 2020, we launched our first sustainability strategy, focusing on six key areas. We refreshed this in 2023 to keep things relevant and ambitious. Our goal? To offer more opportunities to make eco-friendly choices and enjoy a guilt-free travel experience.

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    Planet

    To take action on climate change, we intend to do two things: cut down on the energy we use and get more of our energy from clean, net-zero carbon sources. Our aim is to achieve net-zero carbon energy by 2030 and support our supply chain in cutting their emissions too. But it is not just about energy; it is also about getting ready for the future. We are making sure our railway system can handle whatever the climate throws at us, so it remains strong and reliable.

    LEARN MORE
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    People

    We believe that highspeed rail is the future of travel. That is why we are dedicated to highlighting its benefits for both people and the planet. We also believe in making a genuinely positive impact on society. Our 2024 Social Value Framework is all about maximising the benefits of what we do, setting clear goals for 2030, and showing how we will get there. We focus on what we can control and what we can influence, collaborating closely with community groups and experts. We are also committed to tackling social inequalities and sharing our successful initiatives with the wider industry.

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    Nature

    We take care of 235 hectares of natural land around our line, which is about the size of 335 football pitches. This land is special because it acts as a ‘wildlife corridor’ from London to the Kent coast. Our goal is to ensure this land thrives, supporting rare species like the Shrill Carder Bumblebee and the Lizard Orchid. 20% ‘Biodiversity Net Gain’ by 2030 is the target figure. We are also committed to reducing the resources we use and making sure any waste is either reused or recycled.

     

    LEARN MORE

Find out more

Explore our sustainability strategy, policy, and ESG report to learn more.

Sustainability Strategy 2023-24
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ESG Report 2023-24
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Environment & Sustainability Policy
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Assumptions – Diesel car

Diesel car emits 170 grams / 0.00017 tonnes of CO2 per km – Source. 750,000 tonnes of CO2 is equivalent to 4,411,764,705km. Circumference of the earth is 40,075km. 750,000 tonnes is equivalent to 110,087 times around the world in an average diesel car.

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Announcement

WELCOME TO LONDON ST. PANCRAS HIGHSPEED

Previously known as High Speed 1, London St. Pancras Highspeed is the new online home of St. Pancras International, Stratford International, Ebbsfleet International and Ashford International.

This is more than just a new look. Whether you’re visiting London, commuting to or from Kent, planning a trip to Europe or exploring St. Pancras International, it’s all here.