This is how we will reduce emissions by 50% by 2030 and play a leading role in promoting zero emission transport across NI.
Our goal is to deliver a 50% reduction in our current emissions by 2030. This is in line with our Climate Action Pledge and using Science Based Targets.
Urgent action on climate change
Climate change is the most pressing environmental challenge of our time. There’s overwhelming scientific evidence that we must act now. The scale of the challenge demands a step-change in how we live and work, and we all have a duty to act quickly and decisively to reduce emissions.
Transport has a significant role to play in reaching net zero both regionally and globally. Translink will lead the transformation and accelerate towards net zero emissions in public transport in NI. This will create a path for a healthier, greener and more sustainable future for generations to come. We will make the most efficient use of resources, driving out waste and protecting and enhancing our natural heritage.
Although we aim to make significant progress during the next strategy period, we are looking beyond 2030 and far into the future. We want to be net zero by 2040, climate positive by 2050 and we will promote zero emission technology across the transport sector.
We have been benchmarked as Platinum status in the Business in the Community Northern Ireland Environmental Benchmarking Survey and we will continue to benchmark Translink with the very best organisations in carbon emission reduction.
Action on sustainable infrastructure
Incorporating the potential for electric and hydrogen technologies, we will develop a rail infrastructure plan focused on decarbonising the rail network.
Our energy strategy will seek to reduce emissions for buildings, facilities and infrastructure, such as signalling and telecommunications. We aim to change the way we design, build and operate our infrastructure and assets so we can minimise our whole-life carbon and air pollution emissions. This will make an important contribution to overall emission reduction targets and look after the safety and wellbeing of our passengers, neighbours and employees.
We will enhance engagement with key policy makers (DfI Transport Plans, Council Local Development Plans, and Department for Economy Air Quality and Energy Strategies), to shape policies and promote measures for the reallocation of sustainable road space encouraging a modal shift to greener, active and healthier travel modes.
Action on sustainable bus fleet
We will embrace zero/low emission technology and innovations to decarbonise public transport. This will build on the programme of zero emission bus replacement which started in 2021/22. By mid 2022, we will have introduced over 100 Zero Emission vehicles, (80 Battery Electric and 23 Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles) - the first of their kind in Ireland. A further 38 Battery Electric vehicles are also on order to be added to the fleet in 2023. We will develop a bus procurement plan, to meet the target of net zero by 2040.
Action on sustainable rail fleet
Our rail fleet will transition from diesel to electric/hydrogen technology. We will identify and embrace zero emission technology to create a cleaner fleet with the aim to meet the target of net zero by 2040.
Our plans will align with the Network Utilisation Strategy for the rail network in Northern Ireland and the Enterprise Development Strategy developed in partnership with Iarnrod Eireann.
We will engage with key stakeholders including local and central government and industry to promote and increase the uptake in zero emission technology. This will encourage a whole system approach, reducing costs and supporting the global ‘Race to Zero’ campaign.
Climate Resilience
In preparing for climate changes, we are taking steps to assess, plan, design, build and upgrade our infrastructure to ensure we can operate in a way that anticipates, prepares for, and adapts to changing climate conditions such as flooding and other impacts of extreme weather such as high temperatures. These actions will ensure it can withstand, respond to, and recover rapidly from disruptions caused by climatic conditions.