• First in the region: Etihad Rail launches the UAE’s first CO2 Emission Avoidance and Reduction Certificates, leveraging rail’s environmental benefits.
• Sustainability aligned: Supports UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategy and businesses’ ESG objectives through certified carbon savings.
• Transformative impact: Projected to reduce road transport CO2 emissions by 21% annually by 2050, removing 8.2 million tonnes of CO2 per year.

Etihad Rail, the operator of the UAE National Railway Network, has introduced the region’s first-ever “CO2 Emission Avoidance and Reduction Certificates.” The initiative quantifies and validates carbon savings achieved by businesses using rail over other transport modes, underscoring rail’s environmental advantages.

Using the globally recognized EcoTransIT tool, the certificates calculate CO2 equivalents (CO2e) through a Well-to-Wheel (WTW) analysis. This lifecycle approach evaluates fuel use from extraction to combustion and incorporates shipment-specific data, including cargo weight and distance. For comparison, rail freight emissions are calculated against truck emissions, highlighting rail’s lower environmental impact.

Omar Alsebeyi, Executive Director of Commercial & Performance at Etihad Rail, emphasized:

“Sustainability is not just a commitment—it is a cornerstone of our identity and operations. The introduction of our CO2 Emission Avoidance and Reduction Certificates underscores our dedication to pioneering climate action and delivering tangible value to our customers.“

Businesses adopting rail transport can use these certificates to enhance corporate sustainability reports, improve ESG ratings, and attract environmentally conscious stakeholders. Additionally, they align operations with UAE’s Federal decree law 11 of 2024 on climate change effects and Net Zero by 2050 Strategy.

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Alsebeyi added:

“These certificates present a unique value proposition. They not only align businesses with the UAE’s decarbonisation goals but also demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.”

Etihad Rail aims to transport 60 million tonnes of cargo annually by 2030, reducing road transport emissions by 21% annually by 2050. This equates to taking 300 trucks off the roads for every train journey and eliminating 8.2 million tonnes of CO2 annually.

This milestone positions Etihad Rail as a leader in sustainable logistics, driving progress toward a greener future for the UAE and the region.

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