Network Rail, officially known as Network Rail Infrastructure Limited, is a pivotal player in the UK's rail industry, headquartered in GB. Established in 2002, the company has since transformed the nation's rail infrastructure, overseeing the maintenance and development of the railway network across England, Scotland, and Wales. Specialising in rail infrastructure management, Network Rail is responsible for track maintenance, signalling, and station management, ensuring safe and efficient travel for millions of passengers annually. Its commitment to innovation and sustainability sets it apart, with initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions and enhancing service reliability. As a key entity in the UK's transport sector, Network Rail has achieved significant milestones, including the successful delivery of major projects that improve connectivity and capacity. With a strong market position, it continues to play a crucial role in shaping the future of rail travel in Britain.
How does Network Rail's carbon action stack up? DitchCarbon scores companies based on their carbon action and commitment to reducing emissions. Read about our methodology to learn more.
Mean score of companies in the Rail Transport industry. Comparing a company's score to the industry average can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
Network Rail's score of 31 is higher than 56% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
In 2024, Network Rail reported total carbon emissions of approximately 154,062,400 kg CO2e, comprising about 49,857,200 kg CO2e from Scope 1 (mobile combustion) and about 99,483,000 kg CO2e from Scope 2 (purchased electricity). This represents a slight decrease from 2023, where total emissions were about 158,806,400 kg CO2e, with Scope 1 emissions at approximately 63,109,800 kg CO2e and Scope 2 at about 86,855,400 kg CO2e. Network Rail has set ambitious climate commitments, aiming for a 46% reduction in absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 2029, using a 2018/19 baseline. Additionally, they plan to reduce Scope 3 indirect use-phase emissions by 28% by the same year. These targets are aligned with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and include a commitment that 75% of their suppliers will have science-based targets by 2025. The organisation's emissions data is not cascaded from any parent company, and all figures are reported directly from Network Rail Limited. The commitment to sustainability reflects a broader industry trend towards reducing carbon footprints and enhancing environmental responsibility in the rail sector.
Access structured emissions data, company-specific emission factors, and source documents
| 2020 | 2021 | 2023 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | 73,295,000  | 00,000,000  | 00,000,000  | 00,000,000  | 
| Scope 2 | 128,119,800  | 000,000,000  | 00,000,000  | 00,000,000  | 
| Scope 3 | -  | -  | -  | -  | 
Climate goals typically focus on 2030 interim targets and 2050 net-zero commitments, aligned with global frameworks like the Paris Agreement and Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to ensure alignment with global climate goals.
Network Rail has established climate goals through participation in recognized frameworks and target-setting initiatives. Companies often set interim 2030 targets and long-term 2050 net-zero goals to demonstrate measurable progress toward decarbonization.

Common questions about Network Rail's sustainability data and climate commitments