At Transport for Wales we have a clear plan to transform the transport network in Wales and create an integrated system that the people of Wales can be proud of.
As a modern organisation with a social purpose, sustainable development is at the very heart of our plans. We will develop a transport network that will not only benefit future generations but will be built in a way that will not be detrimental to their future.
We are all aware of the current environmental challenges facing our planet. To combat this we need to work collaboratively with public sector, private sector and third sector organisations and foster new ways of working that benefit both people and the environment.
In the next few weeks, we will launch our Sustainable Development Plan setting out our targets and responsibilities.
At TfW we want to ensure that sustainable development becomes part of our culture and is embedded in all that we do.
Sustainable development is a diverse and wide-ranging topic and our plan is supported by a Sustainable Procurement Strategy, Skills and Leadership Strategy, Biodiversity Action Plan, Environmental Management Plan, Active Travel Plan, Waste Management Plan and Low Carbon Impact Strategy.
Some of our key commitments within the plan include sourcing 100% of our electricity from renewable sources, with 50% of our renewable energy being generated in Wales or the areas we serve by 2025. We’ll also invest £5 million in renewable technologies by March 2026 and nearly £3 million to install new LED lighting at all stations by the end of 2023.
Active travel is high on our agenda and we’ll work with key stakeholders to identify ways we can make it easier for people to walk and cycle to our stations.
As we progress with our work on the ground and construct projects such as the South Wales Metro, we are committed to providing work opportunities for SMEs and social enterprises. Opportunities such as this will help boost local economies and provide employment for local people. The suppliers that we use will have to meet our sustainability criteria and commit to pay their team members the Real Living Wage.
Our Sustainable Development Plan targets are ambitious and we’re confident that our plans will allow us to be successful and deliver.
We all know how fundamental transport is to Wales’ social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being, and reducing private vehicle use and encouraging greater use of public and active travel has the potential to improve air quality, reduce air pollution and offer significant health benefits for the people of Wales.
We have entered an exciting period for transport within Wales and as we heavily invest, it is also extremely encouraging and inspiring to be involved in an organisation that puts sustainable development at the top of their agenda.
The Sustainable Development Plan for Transport for Wales will be published later this month.
Written by: Natalie Rees Sustainable Development Manager
