In an initiative to highlight the environmental benefits of rail for its customers, Etihad Rail has launched the region's first 'CO2 Emission Avoidance and Reduction Certificates'.
The certificates quantify and validate the carbon savings companies achieve by choosing rail over alternative modes of transport, directly contributing to the UAE's decarbonization goals, and are powered by EcoTransIT, a globally recognized tool for assessing the environmental impact of transport. Using EcoTransIT's accredited methodology, the certificates calculate CO2 equivalents (CO2e) by taking into account direct emissions from diesel and indirect emissions from biofuels (where applicable). These certificates enable customers to enhance their corporate sustainability reports, improve their ESG ratings, attract environmentally aware stakeholders and strengthen their leadership position in the environmental protection sector.
The process includes Well-to-Wheel (WTW) analysis, which covers the entire lifecycle of fuel use from extraction to combustion. This ensures an accurate measurement of the environmental impact of every tonne-kilometre transported. Using consignment-specific data and geo-coordinates, it also takes into account the weight and distance of the load. For comparison, rail freight emissions are calculated in relation to truck emissions. This provides a clear basis for highlighting the environmental advantages of rail.
„The introduction of our CO2 Emission Avoidance and Reduction Certificates underscores our dedication to pioneering climate action and delivering tangible value to our customers. This initiative empowers businesses to take active roles in reducing their carbon footprint while leveraging the unparalleled efficiency and reliability of rail transport. By aligning with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategy and the UAE Climate Change law, we are driving transformative change in the logistics sector, building a more sustainable future for the UAE and the region,” commented Omar Alsebeyi, Executive Director of Commercial & Performance of Etihad Rail.
