| Scientifics' Railway Environmental Forum |
| Tuesday, 08 April 2008 | |
|
Every knows that the
modern railway industry is under intense pressure not just to deliver
services that are on time, safe, comfortable and affordable to
passengers, but that meet tough financial targets and that also comply
with stringent environmental regulations. It is a complicated
management exercise, but one way to help ensure the various train
operating and infrastructure companies keep abreast of rapidly changing
and sometimes confusing environmental legislation is to share best
practice. The Railway Environmental Forum organised by Scientifics since the railways were privatised in 1997 does exactly that. It provides a forum for environmental specialists in the rail industry to meet, network, exchange and receive information on current topics, discuss issues relevant to the industry and share ideas with other specialists. Following the break up of British Rail, the industry became fragmented and there was a risk that environmental best practice in the sector might be lost. Therefore, Scientifics suggested that an Environmental Forum be formed in order to discuss existing and emerging environmental matters. Since that time, Scientifics has operated the Secretariat for the Forum on a voluntary basis, arranging speakers to suit the needs of the members, circulating members and organising the meetings. Membership is open to all who have an interest in the environmental impact of rail. This includes train operators, Network Rail, infrastructure companies and a range of other support providers. |
