OREANDA-NEWS. January 14, 2011. Russian Railways invested 1.4 billion rubles in the construction and reconstruction of environmental protection facilities during 2010, as part of its Environmental Strategy. Under the programme, 110,000 tons of industrial and consumer waste were recycled and neutralized, and greenhouse gas emissions were slashed by 345,700 tons.

Company subsidiaries reduced emissions of atmospheric pollutants from stationary sources by 5%. The smaller environmental impact was achieved by technical retrofitting, an effective system for managing and monitoring environmental activities, and through investment projects.

During 2010, the company conducted shoreline reinforcement work near the lines along Lake Baikal and the Black Sea coast, and overhauled diesel locomotives, switching outdated engines for more modern and environmentally friendly models.

Gas-turbine and dual-mode shunters were used for moving trains, an innovative freight road locomotive was developed and tested, and energy saving measures were adopted, including the installation of LED lighting.

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Russian Railways has drawn up and adopted an Environmental Strategy up to 2015 with an outlook to 2030, which was named the best environmental project at a contest held by the Russian Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment. The document aims for a 35% reduction in the company’s negative environmental impact by 2015, and 70% by 2030. During 2010, Russian Railways was a nominee for the energy efficiency prize “Save Energy!”, and won in the “Energy Efficient Company” category.

Rail is recognized throughout the world as one of the most environmentally friendly modes of transport, because the intensity of its energy consumption is significantly lower than that of other forms of transport, for example cars. The environmental advantages of railway transport in Russia are ensured by broad use of electric traction (more than 85% of freight and 80% of passengers), which reduces harmful atmospheric emissions.