Monday September 28th 2026
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
ScotRail has outlined plans to make Scotland’s railways greener, including new trains, lower energy use and investment in biodiversity.
The rail operator is highlighting its environmental work during Scotland’s Climate Week, which runs from September 28 to October 4.
ScotRail says its carbon emissions have continued to fall year-on-year, with further reductions expected as more of the railway is electrified and older trains are replaced.
The operator expects new Class 222 trains arriving from 2027 to help reduce emissions across its fleet, while plans to replace around two-thirds of its trains over the next 15 years will eventually see new suburban trains introduced during the 2030s.
The railway’s wider decarbonisation programme includes electrification projects in East Kilbride, Fife and the Borders.
ScotRail and Network Rail are also working under a joint Climate Action Plan covering the period from 2024 to 2029.
Measures include efforts to reduce energy use at stations and depots, cut waste and improve recycling, and make railway stations more accessible for people walking, cycling and using other forms of public transport.
Falkirk High is also being developed as ScotRail’s first net zero station, with plans including solar car ports.
The operator has additionally become a Gold Supporter of The Conservation Volunteers’ I Dig Trees programme, with around 4,000 native trees set to be planted through local communities across Scotland.
Graeme Baillie, ScotRail Safety and Sustainability Director, said rail had an important role to play in helping Scotland reduce carbon emissions.
He said: “We’re already making progress, with emissions continuing to reduce, more of the railway being electrified, and new technology helping us use energy more efficiently across our stations and depots.
“There is much more to come. Replacing around two-thirds of our train fleet, further decarbonising Scotland’s Railway, developing net zero stations, and making it easier to combine rail with walking, cycling, and other public transport will all help us continue the journey to net zero.”
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