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"Union trains" Issuing certificates for avoiding and reducing carbon emissions

ABU DHABI, 16 JANUARY / WAM / Etihad Rail Company, the developer and operator of the national railway network in the UAE, announced the launch of the first “Carbon Emissions Avoidance and Reduction Certificates” of its kind in the region.

This innovative initiative highlights the environmental benefits to its customers when they rely on rail transport services, and contributes to enhancing the role of Etihad Rails as a major contributor to efforts to achieve the strategic initiative for climate neutrality 2050, by adopting a framework for applying environmental, social and governance standards, and linking it to the sustainable development goals of nations. United.

These certificates, supported by the globally recognized EcoTransIT tool, evaluate the environmental impact of transportation, in addition to proving the carbon savings that companies achieve by choosing rail services instead of other means of transportation to ship their goods, which helps them contribute directly to achieving Carbon reduction goals in the country.

Using the approved EcoTransit tool methodology, the certificates calculate the CO2 equivalent, taking into account direct emissions from diesel, and indirect emissions from biofuels if used.

The certification process includes conducting a comprehensive analysis from “source to wheel”, covering the entire cycle of fuel use, from extraction to combustion. This analysis ensures an accurate measurement of the environmental impact of each ton-kilometre transported.

The analysis takes into account the weight of the goods, the distance using the data, and the geographical coordinates of the shipment.

To make the comparison, emissions from rail freight are compared to emissions from truck freight, which provides a clear basis for highlighting the environmental advantages of rail.

Through these certificates, Etihad Trains works to empower its customers and help them provide reliable and true data that reflects the positive environmental impact of shifting their operations from roads to railways. This initiative also supports the companies’ goals and commitments to environmental, social and governance standards, and provides them with the best opportunity to demonstrate their leadership in management. Environmental.

By adopting railways as a primary means of transportation, companies can ensure that their operations are compliant with Federal Decree Law No. (11) of 2024 regarding reducing the impacts of climate change, complying with national climate regulations, as well as enhancing their sustainability goals.

These certificates can support customers in enhancing the sustainability reports issued by their companies, improving their performance ratings according to environmental, social and governance standards, attracting partners interested in environmental affairs, and enhancing their leadership in the field of environmental management.

Omar Al-Subaie, Executive Director of the Commercial Affairs and Performance Sector at Etihad Rail, said that we in the company deal with sustainability as a core element in our identity and the fabric of our operations, and that our launch of “Certificates for Avoiding and Reducing Carbon Emissions” confirms our commitment to leadership in climate action, and providing real value to our customers.

He pointed out that this initiative works to enable companies to play active roles in reducing their carbon footprints, in addition to benefiting from efficiency and reliability at exceptional and unprecedented levels in railway transportation services.

He stated that by aligning with the Strategic Initiative for Climate Neutrality 2050 and the UAE Climate Change Law, we are in an advanced position in the efforts aimed at bringing about radical change in the logistics sector and contributing to building a more sustainable future for the country.

He added that the launch of the “Avoid and Reduce Carbon Emissions” certificates represents a unique value for our customers, and at a time when companies are increasingly giving priority to environmental responsibility, these certificates allow them to align their operations in line with the axes of the UAE’s goals in reducing carbon emissions, and also confirm their commitment to sustainability.

As part of its future plans, Etihad Trains aims to transport 60 million tons of goods annually by the year 2030, thereby contributing to diversifying the country’s national economy, enhancing the flexibility of the supply chain, and contributing to achieving its climate goals.

Etihad Trains operations are expected to reduce carbon emissions in the country’s transportation sector by 21% annually by 2050, equivalent to removing 8.2 million tons of carbon dioxide, thanks to shifting freight transport from roads to railways, where every train trip contributes. In excluding up to 300 trucks from the roads.

Etihad Railways continues to drive progress towards a more sustainable future for the country, benefiting from its advanced railway network and promoting sustainable practices.

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