SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS AWARD

The railway industry has a key role in promoting a sustainable transport system, so that it faces up in particular to the challenge of the climate emergency both in its own operations and the service it provides to its customers. A commitment to long-term sustainability should be considered as essential for all involved in the future of the railway, including infrastructure developers and contractors.  To be considered sustainable, a business must look beyond its immediate needs and show leadership in the way it protects the needs of both the business and future generations.

The winning entry will show a real understanding of sustainable development values and principles, together with passion and creativity that make a difference to people, communities, the environement, the economy and business results. It will demonstrate how sustainable development values are being embedded in the business – through strategies or projects – and the business and societal benefits that are being achieved, and how the challenge of the climate emergency is being tackled.

 

 

Who should enter?

Entries may relate to any aspect of business operations.  It could include stimulating the local economy and developing supplier relationships including with SMEs, promoting community and social inclusion, enhancing the skills and wellbeing of its workforce and its equality and diversity, or reducing the operation’s environmental footprint or developing the service provided to customers to improve the sustainability of the transport system for example through modal shift; in short, making more efficient use of resources in the widest sense.  Entries may be submitted by team members, team leaders, managers, customers or suppliers.

 

 

Judging criteria

The judges will need clarity about what has changed, who and what the change affects and how it has been put into practice. They will consider in particular:
 

  • How any change and/or new values are being integrated into business practices and approaches, and the difference made to the way the organisation does business;
     
  • The results being achieved and how they benefit the business, enhance the skills, wellbeing and diversity of its people and deliver improved economic, social and environmental outcomes for the wider community and future generations;
     
  • How the change is showing leadership in responding to the climate emergency;
     
  • Whether there is more efficient use of resources, improved service and a contribution to improving the well-being and prosperity and health of people and communities served;
     
  • Evidence of business and community buy-in; and
     
  • Whether the approach is transferable and contributes to long-term sustainability in the railway industry and the transport system more widely.

 

Enter now 

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