Birmingham New Street station has installed a new carbon-savings calculator to demonstrate emission reductions resulting from its connection to the Birmingham District Energy Scheme.
Launched in 2007, the scheme is aimed at cutting carbon dioxide emissions in the city by 60% by 2027, saving costs and reducing the city’s dependence on the National Grid for power.
Network Rail principal programme manager Patrick Cawley said: "Reducing the station's carbon footprint by building our own combined heating and power plant is an important part of creating a sustainable station fit for the future.
“The excess heat created by the station’s plant can now be used by the city’s shared district heating network to heat surrounding offices and businesses."
The scheme supplies the station with low-carbon heating generated by a combined heat and power (CHP) plant, which produces energy on-site and uses excess heat to provide warmth.
The station’s energy requirements are being met by an energy centre on Broad Street and will also connect to a newly constructed CHP plant, which is nearing completion on the station roof.
The new CHP plant is expected to result in additional emission savings of more than 3,000t of carbon dioxide per annum.
Image: Birmingham New Street station. Photo: © Network Rail.
