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CO2 reduction in 2023

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CO2 reduction in 2023

Date

07 May 2024

Expertise

Sustainability

To get straight to the point: The CO2 reduction we reached in 2023 does not fulfil our ambition. With a total gross carbon footprint of 37,806 tons CO2 in 2023 (2022: 37,885 tons), we reduced 94 tons (or 0.13%). This is a limited absolute reduction. Relative to sales, we did fulfil our target; the relative reduction in 2023 amounted to 3.6%.

Given the disappointing absolute reduction, we will have a lot of work to do to reach our sustainability targets for the long term. One of these targes is a 50% reduction of our carbon footprint in 2030 compared to 2021. This is ambitious, but necessary to fulfil the Paris Climate Agreement.

Measures

The fact that our 2023 reduction was less than desired, does not mean that nothing has happened. We are doing a lot to reduce the carbon footprint, both in our projects and in the chain, but the effect of many measures becomes visible only in the long run. It will take some time, for example, before the electrification of lease cars and business cars will become visible in our footprint.

Measures in our projects need time to become visible as well. In 2023, we started to deploy zero emission and low emission equipment and apply sustainable power supply at project sites. These methods are still at an early stage and we are learning lessons together with chain partners. The investments involved will lead to visible reduction in the long term. Initiatives for circularity in infrastructure projects (e.g. Closing the Loop, circular concrete for catenary constructions and resuse of points) require investments that we have to make now to reduce later.

Confident to reduce

We are confident that we will meet our targets towards 2030-2035 and ask everone to contribute. Do you have ideas or suggestions? Bring them forward through mvo@strukton.com.
Sustainability at Strukton

Photo used in this announcement: A first with bamboo sleepers

 

Sustainability targets

Check our long-term sustainability targets and short-term ambitions

CO2 reduction
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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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