Assessment of the implications of energy-efficient technologies on the environmental sustainability of rail operation

Sanjeev Sharma; Vinay Kandpal; Tanupriya Choudhury; Ernesto D.R. Santibanez Gonzalez; Naveen Agarwal; Sanjeev Sharma; Vinay Kandpal; Tanupriya Choudhury; Ernesto D.R. Santibanez Gonzalez; Naveen Agarwal

doi:10.3934/environsci.2023039

AIMS Environmental Science

2023, Volume 10, Issue 5: 709-731. doi: 10.3934/environsci.2023039

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Assessment of the implications of energy-efficient technologies on the environmental sustainability of rail operation

1.
School of Business, UPES Dehradun, India
2.
Department of Management Studies, Graphic Era Deemed to be University, Dehradun, India
3.
CSE Department., Symbiosis Institute of Technology, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, Maharashtra, India
4.
CES 4.0 and Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Talca, Curico, Chile
5.
UPES Dehradun, India

Received: 28 August 2023 Revised: 21 October 2023 Accepted: 26 October 2023 Published: 31 October 2023

Railway transportation is a significant contributor to Green House Gas (G.H.G.) emissions in the transportation sector. To mitigate this impact, it is crucial to adopt energy-efficient technology solutions. Improving the energy efficiency of railways can significantly reduce their environmental footprint. We employ a case study methodology to evaluate how energy-efficient technologies such as regenerative braking and lightweight materials affect the sustainability of railway operations. The research assesses the amount of energy used, emissions produced and overall effectiveness of these innovations on railway systems. The findings provide valuable insights into enhancing sustainability in rail transport and inform further research and policy initiatives to advance energy efficiency in the transportation industry. By embracing these technologies, we can potentially reduce the environmental impact of railways while supporting more equitable and sustainable transportation systems that align with global emission reduction goals and U.N. Sustainable Development Goals 2030.
- environmental sustainability,
- carbon emission,
- transportation,
- railways,
- sustainable development,
- energy efficiency
Citation: Sanjeev Sharma, Vinay Kandpal, Tanupriya Choudhury, Ernesto D.R. Santibanez Gonzalez, Naveen Agarwal. Assessment of the implications of energy-efficient technologies on the environmental sustainability of rail operation[J]. AIMS Environmental Science, 2023, 10(5): 709-731. doi: 10.3934/environsci.2023039

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Abstract

Railway transportation is a significant contributor to Green House Gas (G.H.G.) emissions in the transportation sector. To mitigate this impact, it is crucial to adopt energy-efficient technology solutions. Improving the energy efficiency of railways can significantly reduce their environmental footprint. We employ a case study methodology to evaluate how energy-efficient technologies such as regenerative braking and lightweight materials affect the sustainability of railway operations. The research assesses the amount of energy used, emissions produced and overall effectiveness of these innovations on railway systems. The findings provide valuable insights into enhancing sustainability in rail transport and inform further research and policy initiatives to advance energy efficiency in the transportation industry. By embracing these technologies, we can potentially reduce the environmental impact of railways while supporting more equitable and sustainable transportation systems that align with global emission reduction goals and U.N. Sustainable Development Goals 2030.

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