Crossrail has outlined how Europe’s largest infrastructure project is performing against its sustainability targets.
Crossrail’s sustainability report for 2012 outlines how Crossrail is meeting its targets in relation to the environment, community impact, health and wellbeing and equality.
Among the highlights are:
Contractors exceeding recycling targets with more than 92 per cent of demolition and construction waste beneficially reused;
More than 98 per cent of excavated material recycled with the vast majority being used to create to a RSPB nature reserve at Wallasea Island in Essex;
Development of a new British Research Establishment Environment Assessment method for evaluating the environmental performance of new below ground Crossrail stations;
Crossrail rolling stock procurement includes requirements relating to regenerative braking, energy consumption and weight limits;
All lorries delivering to Crossrail sites are required to carry additional safety features and regular drivers must undergo additional road safety training;
Measures implemented to track ethical sourcing of material through the supply chain; and
Four Crossrail construction sites win a Considerate Contractor Scheme National Award.
Andrew Wolstenholme, Crossrail Chief Executive said: “Crossrail is setting new standards ranging from recycling and energy efficiency through to future rail operations.
"Among our innovative approaches to sustainability has been the arrangements we have established to recycle more than six million tonnes of excavated material - more than two thirds will help build a new RSPB nature reserve in Essex.
"We are seeking to minimise the number of lorry journeys by using rail and water transport wherever possible, helping to limit our impact on the environment and the community around our worksites. We are also looking to the future and considering the future energy requirements of the new railway including the new stations and trains.”
Crossrail is vital to London’s sustainability. Crossrail will reduce congestion on London Underground and existing east to west commuter networks by increasing rail capacity by 10% and contributing to a reduction of 500 million kilometres of car journeys annually.
The total funding envelope available to deliver Crossrail is £14.8bn. The Crossrail route will pass through 37 stations and run 118 km (73 miles) from Maidenhead and Heathrow in the west, through new twin-bore 21 km (13 miles) tunnels below central London to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east.
When Crossrail opens it will increase London's rail-based transport network capacity by 10%, supporting regeneration and cutting journey times across the city. Crossrail services are due to commence through central London in 2018.
Crossrail is being delivered by Crossrail Limited (CRL). CRL is a wholly owned subsidiary of Transport for London. Crossrail is jointly sponsored by the Department for Transport and Transport for London.
