South Western Railway has recently been working to boost sustainability and biodiversity, which has resulted in them winning a top environmental rating.

CEEQUAL, a world leading sustainability assessment and rating scheme, have awarded the recent upgrades a ‘Good’ rating. This exhibits that throughout the upgrades sustainability was considered throughout the projects.

Aiming to highlight that they are committed to sustainable working, they completed the CEEQUAL assessment for the first time.

During projects, South Western Railway engaged with Natural England and the Isle of Wight Council to ensure sustainability and that no aspects of the work caused biodiversity loss.

The upgrades of the Island Line, which cost £26 million, were completed last year and have transformed the railway and improved services.

Amy Dickinson, SWR’s Head of Sustainability, said “We are absolutely delighted that SWR’s ongoing commitment to sustainability has been recognised in this way. The Island Line Upgrade was the first SWR project to be assessed by CEEQUAL and the ‘Good’ assessment demonstrates that environmental sustainability was at the forefront of the project throughout.”