UK’s Low-Carbon Rail Renewal: Network Rail’s Honor Oak Project

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Introduction

Network Rail completed the UK’s first low-carbon track renewal between Honor Oak Park and Forest Hill in south London, utilizing green steel rail, low-carbon concrete sleepers, recycled ballast, and renewable biofuel-powered trains.

Main Content

Project Overview

Network Rail, in collaboration with the Southern Renewals Enterprise (SRE), completed the project between Honor Oak Park and Forest Hill. VolkerRail, the SRE’s Track business partner, renewed 1,150 yards of plain line track. The track was fully welded, stressed, and handed back at line speed.

Low-Carbon Materials and Methods

The project incorporated several low-carbon innovations. Green steel rail, produced using an electric arc furnace, achieved approximately 60 percent lower carbon intensity compared to traditional blast furnace steel. Low-carbon concrete sleepers provided an estimated 40 percent reduction in embodied carbon. Recycled blended ballast achieved up to 13 percent carbon savings by reducing the need for virgin aggregate. ISCC-certified renewable biofuel was used to power trains, and solar-powered welfare units reduced on-site diesel consumption.

Carbon Emission Reductions

The combination of these innovations resulted in a 63 percent reduction in emissions, equivalent to 581 tCO2e, compared to baseline materials and transport methods. This reduction is comparable to the annual emissions of approximately 200 UK households. Between April 2024 and April 2025, the SRE achieved a 10.2 percent reduction in whole-life carbon against the baseline.

Future Implementation and Collaboration

Green steel and low-carbon sleepers are now used across SRE projects. The successful implementation of blended ballast in the south represents a key milestone in scaling low-carbon materials nationally. The project highlighted the importance of collaboration between SRE Track, Network Rail SCO, the Environment and Sustainability team, and supply chain partners.

Conclusion

The Honor Oak Park renewal demonstrates a practical example of integrating sustainability into rail operations and provides a model for future renewals. It supports Network Rail’s alignment with the UK’s 2050 net zero target.

Company Summary

Network Rail: Network Rail delivered the UK’s first low-carbon track renewal.

Southern Renewals Enterprise (SRE): The SRE led the project and achieved a 10.2 percent reduction in whole-life carbon between April 2024 and April 2025.

VolkerRail: VolkerRail, the SRE’s Track business partner, renewed the track.

Network Rail Supply Chain Operations (SCO): Developed innovative products used in the project.

Technology

Green steel rail: Produced using an electric arc furnace.

Low-carbon concrete sleepers: Provided an estimated 40 percent reduction in embodied carbon.

Blended ballast: Achieved up to 13 percent carbon savings by reducing the need for virgin aggregate.

ISCC-certified renewable biofuel: Used to power trains.

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