Carbon dioxide emissions halved in rail services

VR has already fulfilled its promise to halve carbon dioxide emissions, largely as the result of switching to green electricity.

VR has used electricity produced solely with renewable forms of energy since the beginning of 2008. Carbon dioxide emissions from rail services have declined 61% compared to 2006.

VR is a major consumer of electricity, so switching to green electricity is of considerable importance for the environment. As from the beginning of 2009, the electricity used by VR has been generated entirely by hydropower. Some 61% of the total energy consumption by rail services is renewable energy.

Entire group taking part

Although the promise to halve carbon dioxide emissions applies to rail services, each part of the group is making its own contribution to cutting emissions.

Pohjolan Liikenne has placed 50 of its buses in a trial where 25% of the fuel they use is biodiesel.

Corenet (telecommunications services) and VR-Track (track construction and maintenance services) reduce carbon dioxide emissions by acquiring only diesel-powered vehicles. Diesel-driven rolling stock, including track machinery and equipment, use sulphur-free fuel.