First Energy-Neutral Station in the Netherlands

Stations function as multimodal mobility hubs, where pedestrians, cyclists, buses, trams, taxis, trains and commercial activities converge. This density of movements requires careful planning, integrated construction phasing and coordination across many disciplines to maintain safety and accessibility. Station projects often involve platform reconstruction, track works, switches, overhead lines, underground structures, commercial areas and public‑space upgrades all at once

Working in a live station environment requires holistic and precisely synchronised planning. Multidisciplinary teams coordinate construction windows, material deliveries, rail possessions and stakeholder activities to minimise disruption to passengers and train services. This approach is used widely in complex rail environments across Europe, where rail contractors must maintain availability while executing renewal and upgrade works

Station upgrades typically combine civil engineering, rail systems, structural works, cable and pipeline installation, telecom systems, travel‑information systems, platform construction, underpasses and bicycle parking. Integrating these disciplines under one coordinated framework reduces delays, prevents spatial conflicts and improves safety. Rail infrastructure specialists with Short Line, Rail‑Civil and engineering units routinely apply this integrated method in complex environments.

Advanced tools like BIM, 3D reality models, digital asset mapping and rail‑data systems support accurate planning, clash detection and risk reduction. These technologies allow teams to simulate construction stages, coordinate disciplines, and maintain rail operations more effectively. European rail organisations increasingly use digital models to ensure safe, sustainable and predictable delivery of infrastructure upgrades.

Sustainable station construction uses circular and recycled materials, optimised soil management and energy‑efficient construction methods. Rail organisations like Strukton also invest in low‑emission equipment, recycled contact wires, and sustainable construction logistics to reduce their carbon footprint. Many civil and rail contractors apply environmental management procedures to lower noise, emissions and waste during work in dense urban stations.

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.

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.