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voestalpine Railway Systems

Sustainable Performance on Track®

Pioneering Sustainable Railway Solutions

At voestalpine Railway Systems we take our social and environmental responsibilities seriously. As the global leader for railway infrastructure system solutions, we understand the impact our products have on society and the environment. We are dedicated to providing durable solutions that enable the operation of sustainable transport systems. Our commitment to ethical and legal conduct is governed by the voestalpine Code of Conduct, ensuring impeccable actions throughout our company and supply chains. 

Why we need Sustainable Mobility Solutions

In a world shaped by urbanization, digitalization, globalization, and demographic shifts, the need for sustainable mobility solutions has never been more pressing. As the demand for mobility driven by these megatrends continues to grow, it is imperative to address the challenges of climate change and resource depletion head-on.

Discover Our Commitment to Eco-Friendly Railway Infrastructure Solutions

We are proud to lead the way in providing sustainable railway solutions that drive environmental responsibility, ensure longevity and uphold the highest industry standards. Our focus on sustainability is guided by three pillars:

Sustainability Pillars

  • Towards sustainable CO2-neutral production. Our revolutionary greentec steel is at the forefront of sustainable steel technology. Manufactured using an innovative process that significantly reduces CO2 emissions, this high-performance steel minimizes environmental impact and delivers exceptional strength and durability.

  • We understand the importance of long-lasting rail solutions. By investing in cutting-edge engineering and design, we develop railway infrastructure systems that withstand the test of time, reducing maintenance costs and ensuring reliable performance for decades. With voestalpine Railway Systems you can count on products built to endure.

  • As a testament to our commitment to sustainability we hold various certifications that recognize our efforts in reducing carbon footprint, energy consumption and waste generation. These certifications reflect our dedication to meeting and exceeding international environmental standards, giving you peace of mind knowing you are partnering with an industry leader in sustainable rail solutions.

Our Sustainability Journey

With decades of experience and continuous innovation, voestalpine Railway Systems has achieved remarkable milestones on our sustainability journey. We have implemented innovative products in numerous railway projects worldwide, reducing carbon emissions and delivering superior rail performance. By prioritizing longevity we have successfully extended the lifespan of railway infrastructure, ensuring cost efficiency and product reliability for our clients. 

In addition, these initiatives reflect our comprehensive approach to sustainability, integrating environmentally responsible practices throughout our operations to contribute to a greener future.

Our products are designed to contribute to a circular economy. By selecting the optimal rail or turnout, we ensure the longest possible service life, which not only maximizes efficiency, but also enables significant CO2 reduction potential throughout the product lifecycle.

At our Donawitz site, we generate 150 GWh of residual heat per year. This energy is used by 10,000 households, resulting in significant sustainability benefits. The use of this residual heat represents an annual reduction of 15 million Nm³ of natural gas and 30,000 tons of CO2, demonstrating our commitment to energy efficiency and community support.

Our ongoing transformation efforts include a significant reduction in pig iron production. This change will provide a significant benefit with the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 30% compared to our current production routes, demonstrating our commitment to innovative and sustainable manufacturing practices.

At our Zeltweg site, we have achieved a carbon-neutral footprint. Although the site emits 414 tons of CO2 annually, the electricity generated by our own hydroelectric power plant prevents 582 tons of CO2 emissions. Excess electricity is sold to the public grid, resulting in a net positive balance of 168 tons of CO2. This initiative demonstrates our proactive approach to achieving and maintaining a positive environmental impact.

With our 100% circular rail, we produce a ready-to-install showcase from 100% used rail scrap, reducing the need for raw materials and minimizing waste. Our zentrak Asset and Maintenance Management solution decreases planned maintenance activities by 2/3 for 1,000 turnouts, cutting annual CO2 emissions by 12 tons. Additionally, zentrak Infrastructure and Rolling Stock Monitoring lowers the frequency of track maintenance visits, reducing CO2 emissions from travel and extending the life of components by accurately predicting wear. In detail, our zentrak HBD (Hot Box Detection) technology has also reduced power consumption from 120W to 70W per system, saving 438 kWh annually per unit.

The 100% circular rail in a closed loop

In a unique project, we used our TechMet electric induction furnace to produce a bloom for subsequent rail production using 100%* rail scrap from the track.

Sustainable and recycled, our path to a climate neutral and circular rail infrastructure.

 

*Only a few alloying elements need to be added due to the process.

zentrak - the intelligent, conscious and living railway ecosystem

Our solution for monitoring, asset and maintenance management

These are just small insights into our broader sustainability efforts, as we continue to make railways more efficient, reliable, and environmentally friendly.

Looking to the future

We are not satisfied with what we have achieved, but strive for continuous improvement. One step ahead. One of our goals for the future is to further improve the sustainability of our products and services through advanced research and development. Together with industry partners, we aim to drive the adoption of sustainable rail infrastructure solutions on a global scale, creating a greener and more connected rail network.

Join Us in Pioneering Sustainable Railway Solutions

Sustainability is at the core of everything we do at voestalpine Railway Systems. By partnering with us you become part of a global movement toward a greener and more sustainable future. Contact our team today to discuss how our cutting-edge solutions can transform your railway projects while preserving the planet for future generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stay Informed with the Latest Updates

We believe in keeping our valued customers and partners up to date with the latest news and developments related to our sustainability journey. Visit our news section regularly to stay informed about our ongoing projects, technological advancements, and groundbreaking initiatives. 

Performance on Track®: Start your journey towards sustainable rail solutions with voestalpine Railway Systems. Together we can make a difference.