ScotRail is up for a top environmental award in recognition for its work to improve biodiversity across Scotland’s railway.

The train operator has been nominated for the Partnership Scotland Award at upcoming the VIBES - Scottish Environment Business Awards, 2019.

The category recognises partnerships which demonstrate a commitment to environmental sustainability and reducing environmental impact.

Last year, ScotRail partnered with community volunteering charity the Conservation Volunteers and RSPB Scotland, and so far, have invested £40,000 supporting 28 biodiversity projects, enhanced habitats for foraging insects and animals, and created nine wildflower meadows.

These partnerships have:

· Dedicated 752 volunteer hours on biodiversity projects

· Upskilled 188 volunteers in local communities

· Increased awareness of the importance of biodiversity among school children

· Promoted the reuse of waste materials at ScotRail stations and depots

ScotRail is also exceeding ambitious energy and carbon reduction targets which form a critical part of its franchise agreement committed obligations.

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The committed obligations required a 4 per cent reduction in the energy used in stations and depots – with a 7.45 per cent reduction achieved; and a 1 per cent reduction in the energy used to power trains – with a 9.8 per cent reduction achieved.

Damian Keaveny, ScotRail head of environment, said: “We recognise the part we have to play meeting Scotland’s ambition to be a world leader on tackling climate change, and we’re fully committed to creating a sustainable railway and which contributes to an environmentally aware Scotland.”