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Reduction of carbon footprint and moving forward!

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Reduction of carbon footprint - moving forward!

Date

07 April 2025

Expertise

Sustainability

We are moving forward when it comes to reducing our carbon footprint, that conclusion may be drawn from the 2024 CO2 progress report. We are reducing the scope 1 and 2 greenhouse emissions (our ‘own emissions) and scope 3 emissions (emissions in the value chain), both in the projects, contracts and offices and while travelling. In 2024, we reduced the gross CO2 emissions by 7.4% compared to 2023. Relative to our revenue the reduction is even higher: 15.9% per million euro. This decrease puts us on track to achieve our goals of reducing our gross emissions by 50% in 2030 and being climate-neutral by 2040, in line with the goals set in the Paris Agreement. Furthermore, we are committed to gain further insight into our scope 3 emissions, to identify and implement emission reduction measures in our material value chains.

Among other things, we are committed to sustainable mobility. Since January 2024, we have a new leasing policy in the Netherlands with exclusively electric cars. In addition, from January 2024, Strukton Rail Nederland only purchases electric company buses. We also encourage public transport and cycling and online meetings. Since January 2025, the Netherlands have a new mobility policy with sustainability as guiding principle.

We are increasingly using electrical machines and equipment, on the one hand by retrofitting our own machines and equipment and on the other hand by hiring electrical machines and equipment. In dialogue with clients, suppliers and other industry peers, we work on feasible solutions for electrical energy supply on the construction site and the use of electrical machines.

Scope 3

Our initiatives and measures also aim to reduce scope 3 emissions. For example, we are working on catenary foundations and portals made of circular concrete, we reuse elements (switches, sleepers, pillars, transitions) and materials (circular concrete for platforms) and we are part of the sector-wide ‘Groene Liggers’ (Green Beams) initiative, which focuses on increasing the reuse ratio of beams.

A big thank you

A big thank you to everyone who contributes to the reduction, in the company and in the value chain. Reduction is something that should be done together! That is good for the earth and for the future.

CO2 Reduction Report

Would you like to know more about our reduction, measures and initiatives? Read the report of 2024.

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Frequently asked questions

Find answers to frequently asked questions here.

What does sustainability mean in the rail and civil infrastructure sector?

Sustainability in rail and civil engineering focuses on reducing environmental impact across the entire lifecycle of infrastructure. This includes using emission‑free equipment, circular and recycled materials, and designing assets with a longer lifespan and lower maintenance requirements. Reusing structural components—such as circular viaduct beams or recycled copper contact wires for overhead lines—significantly reduces CO₂ emissions while conserving valuable raw materials.

How can CO₂ emissions be reduced in infrastructure projects?

CO₂‑reduction is achieved through a combination of clean construction methods and material innovation. Key strategies include:

  • Deploying zero‑emission machinery such as electric cranes, electric rail‑road vehicles (Krols), electric vans and battery‑powered locomotives.
  • Integrating circular concrete, geopolymer concrete, and recycled materials to lower embodied carbon.
  • Collaborating across the supply chain — from client to contractor to materials supplier — to scale circular and low‑carbon solutions.

These measures not only reduce carbon emissions but help create more resilient, future‑proof infrastructure.

Which sustainable innovations are being used in modern rail and civil engineering projects?

Infrastructure projects increasingly rely on advanced sustainable technologies, such as:

  • 100% recycled copper contact wire, reducing CO₂ emissions by up to 92%.
  • Geopolymer concrete, offering 50–80% CO₂ savings compared to traditional mixes.
  • Electric and battery‑powered locomotives for maintenance and logistics.
  • Circular overhead‑line foundations and poles made from low‑impact concrete.
  • The Energy Bank, an innovative click‑and‑go substation that captures and reuses regenerative braking energy.
  • Circular viaduct and bridge concepts, enabling reuse instead of demolition.

These innovations drive measurable environmental benefits throughout the asset lifecycle.

What is zero‑emission equipment in infrastructure construction?

Zero‑emission equipment refers to machinery that operates without producing exhaust gases, typically powered by electricity or batteries. Examples include:

  • Electric locomotives and battery locomotives
  • Electric cranes and rail‑road (Krol) vehicles
  • Electric vans and support vehicles

This equipment eliminates local emissions, improves air quality around work sites, reduces noise pollution and helps clients comply with increasingly strict sustainability requirements.

What does the future of sustainability in infrastructure look like?

By 2050, the infrastructure sector aims to be fully climate‑neutral. This future includes:

  • A robust, climate‑resilient infrastructure network designed for extreme weather.
  • A fully emission‑free construction fleet.
  • Circular material chains where components are reused at scale.
  • Rail as a leading sustainable mobility system, supported by smart energy management and low‑carbon construction methods.
  • Infrastructure that integrates nature, supports biodiversity and ensures safe mobility for everyone.

The transition is already underway, driven by innovation, collaboration and long‑term thinking.

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