Assessing Network Rail’s unused land for renewables development
As a part of the wider movement of reducing climate change, Network Rail has set carbon reduction targets for its non-traction activities aiming for a 25% reduction by the end of 2024. As a part of this, the company has identified sustainable land use as a way to offset or mitigate climate impacts; this could be achieved by developing renewable energy facilities on its existing unused land. As Network Rail is a large landowner, this meant there was the need to understand the potential of the unused land for use for renewable energy generation and/or storage.
RSK and subsidiary company ADAS were asked to provide a feasibility assessment for unused sites and spare land at depots in the Wales & Western region.
The RSK GIS team carried out a desk-based screening exercise to create a shortlist of potential sites to take forward for further assessment. This exercise used relevant criteria such as land parcel size, shape and proximity to infrastructure, designated areas and other environmental constraints. This was followed by a detailed desk-based study of the shortlisted sites that involved reviewing Ordnance Survey maps, aerial photography, local authority policy maps and other publicly available information.
As a result of the desk-based study, several sites were rejected on technical or environmental grounds while others were flagged for potential development as solar photovoltaic projects. ADAS and a specialist subcontractor were brought in to carry out a high-level economic assessment to provide further information on their potential generating capacity and financial viability.
The results of our feasibility assessment and desk-based studies helped Network Rail to identify which of its unused land parcels has the most potential to be developed for renewable energy and take forward further detailed technical investigations. Our experience in the renewables sector, its technical and financial requirements, and the constraints relating to the environment and planning enabled us to provide a service for the client identifying sites with real potential for development.
- Location: United Kingdom
- Client: Network Rail
- Project status: Completed
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🏢 Will regenerative design be key in building a resilient future?
🏙️ In the first article of our new series Cities of Tomorrow, our panel explores what role regenerative design plays in forming a framework for our cities of tomorrow.
📌 The conversation was hosted by Andrew Tempany, Technical Director at @stephensonhalliday
Read more in our bio!
#Architecture #Design #Development #Sustainability #Sustainable #Environment
🏆 We are proud to share that RSK Group is a finalist for the annual @britchamsg Singapore Award 2022 under the Sustainability Champion of the Year category.
⭐ We are thrilled to see the hard work of our dedicated teams being recognised by this prestigious organization.
📌 The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony that will take place at the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore on October 13th
#Sustainability #Awards #Sustainable #Event #Environment #Environmental
📢 RSK Group is delighted to announce that we are one of the sponsors of the Ground Source Heat Pump Association’s conference and charity dinner.
🤝 The Conference is an opportunity to gain insight into the heat pump installation industry, through a series of coordinated expert panel sessions, presentations, and networking opportunities.
💚 Geocore Site Investigations Ltd, Ground Heat, ZED and Carbon Zero Consulting will be attending this event.
We can’t wait to see you there!
📅 30th September 2022
📍 The Coniston Hotel Country Estate & Spa, Skipton
#Energy #Heating #GroundSourceHeatPumps #HeatPumps #Event #Conference #GroundHeat
📸 #selfiesonsite 🤳
Some great pictures from the @StructuralSoils team in action at Merthyr
Want to join our team? View our latest opportunities 👉 www.rskgroup.com/careers
#RSKgroup #behindthescenes #meettheteam #RSKfamily #RSKonsite #construction #engineering
📢 RSK Tanzania is proud to host NICOLA – CONNECT, organized by the Network for Industrially Contaminated Land in Africa.
🤝 NICOLA – CONNECT provides a platform for social and technical interaction between members of NICOLA, and professionals interested in Contaminated Land or associated fields, in a casual setting.
📅 5th October 2022
📍 Golden Tulip Hotel, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.
Kindly RSVP to hkimario@ rsk.co.uk ASAP to reserve your seat.
To call for enquiries, contact: +255 719 697 323
We look forward to seeing you there!
#Tanzania #Event #ContaminatedLand #Africa #Land #Environment #Environmental
🤝 Society is moving towards a more equitable and sustainable world.
🏙️ Our cities sit at the centre of this modern world: they grow and change as we do.
🤔 As we face unprecedented challenges today, how will our cities evolve to serve our needs in the future?
📌 RSK’s Cities of Tomorrow series explores the sustainable solutions available to us to create resilient and future-proof urban centres.
Stay tuned to find out more!
#Sustainability #ClimateChange #ClimateCrisis #Environment #Environmental #Sustainable
📢 We are pleased to announce that Spencer Group has joined the #RSKFamily
🤝 Spencer Group comprises land management and environmental services specialists Spencer Environmental Care Associates (ECA) and geo-technical contractors and consultants Quantum Geotechnic.
Find out more in our bio!
#Environmental #Land #LandManagement #Environment #Sustainability #Geotechnical
🚗 As we return to offices, how we commute to work will play an important role in our ambitions to achieve net zero targets.
🤝 Businesses play a crucial part in facilitating action towards these goals.
🚆 In this edition of our series Climate Realities, Ian Wickett, Senior Associate Director at RSK Transport Planning, tells us why everyday changes, supported by business, are of vital importance.
Read more in our bio!
#Transport #NetZero #Commute #Environment #Environmental #ClimateChange
📸 #selfiesonsite 🤳
Recent spots by Chris Williams from @BinniesGlobal out on site for Southern Water last week, snapping the Pyramidal Orchid, the Hoary Plantain and the Bee Orchid
Want to join our team? View our latest opportunities 👉 www.rskgroup.com/careers
#RSKgroup #behindthescenes #meettheteam #RSKfamily #RSKonsite #wildlife #nature #flowers