Dawid Hanak – Identifying challenges and opportunities in decarbonising UK train stations
Dawid Hanak // Teesside University // Connected Places Catapult // Net Zero
While rail is commonly viewed as a low-carbon mode of transport, the operations of train stations themselves contribute significantly to overall emissions through energy use, supply chain activities, and passenger behaviour. One of the biggest gaps in current sustainability strategies is the underrepresentation of Scope 3 emissions, such as those arising from passenger commuting patterns, waste
generation, and upstream supply chains. These indirect emissions frequently make up the largest share of a station’s carbon footprint, yet they are rarely factored into decarbonisation efforts.
Adding to the complexity, many UK train stations are heritage-listed buildings, limiting the feasibility of traditional retrofitting methods like insulation upgrades or modern glazing. This creates a need for alternative, cost-effective decarbonisation pathways that respect architectural constraints while supporting national Net Zero goals.
This project, in collaboration with Connected Places Catapult and Dawid Hanak, set out to address that need by developing a holistic, data-driven approach to station decarbonisation – one that considers all emission sources, including Scope 3, and identifies realistic, economically viable strategies for cutting carbon across the full operational footprint.
Download the full case study here