From 24 to 27 September 2024, InnoTrans will take place with a strong emphasis on sustainability, both at the event and in the wider industry.
Sustainability and decarbonisation remain key issues in the transport industry and are thus expected to be prominent topics at InnoTrans. Meanwhile, the exhibitors and event organisers are likewise working to reduce the carbon footprint of the event itself.
Reducing Emissions at InnoTrans
Travel
InnoTrans states that the majority of emissions from the event are casued by exhibitors and visitors travelling to and from the fair.
Currently, one-third of attendees use the train to travel to and from Berlin, which is considered the most sustianable means of travel.
Once in the city, ticket holders can then make use of free public transport in zones A, B and C thanks to a collaboration between the event and DB.
In addition, to encourage intermodal travel, five Jelbi docking stations will be provided on the exhibition grounds for shared bikes and e-scooters.
Messe Berlin
The InnoTrans venue, Messe Berlin is also working to reduce its carbon footprint.
Berlin’s largest photovoltaics array is currently under construction on 20 of the 26 hall rooftops. This project is due to be completed by late 2024 and will involve around 20,000 solar panels on an area totalling 50,000 m².
In the future, this rooftop system will generate around 7.3 GWh of green electricity, around 80 percent of which will be consumed by Messe Berlin. The surplus energy will then be fed to the Berlin power grid. Overall, the system will reduce annual CO2 emissions by around 2,900 tonnes.
Meanwhile, Messe Berlin’s entire air-conditioning and heating systems are being converted to eco-friendly sustainable technology. This will reduce annual CO2 emissions by around 5,400 tonnes, while also lowering operational costs.
In addition, Messe Berlin has advanced its waste management system to prioritise reducing, re-using and recycling waste. The organistion is gradually minimising the amount of waste produced at events and is reusing and processing useful materials.
Messe Berlin is also collaborating with the Berliner Senate Department for the Environment, Mobility, Consumer Affairs and Climate Action on the ReUse Berlin zero waste initiative to recycle stand construction materials.
Swissrail
Exhibitors can likewise make a positive contribution to the climate by reducing their own carbon footprint at the fair. For example, in 2022, Swissrail had the first carbon-neutral national stand at InnoTrans.
47 Swiss companies took part in this project, which exercised measures to reduce its carbon footprint. However, participation in the event still generated 431 tonnes of CO2. To offset these emissions, Swissrail supported reforestation measures in Switzerland and invested in wind power in India, where rail electrification is gaining pace.
In 2024, Swissrail is again planning to make a positive contribution to the climate at InnoTrans in partnership with Swiss Climate.
Exhibitors
Throughout the event, exhibitors will also be showcasing their sustainable solutions, ranging from zero-emission vehicles and resource-efficient interiors to splicing connectors that use recycled plastic.
Siemens Mobility
In Hall 27, Siemens Mobility will demonstrate how the company is helping to normalise carbon-neutral passenger and freight transport solutions. This is achieved through its developments in rolling stock, infrastructural, intermodal and turnkey solutions.
Indeed, alongside developing alternative drive systems with battery and hydrogen technology, Siemens aims to use resource-efficient methods and energy-efficient products.
Alstom
Alstom is also developing solutions that will reduce the carbon footprint of transport. In 2023, 65 percent of its latest solutions followed an “eco-friendly” design approach. By 2025, this will apply to 100% of its new products.
Meanwhile, the company is focused on solutions that reduce energy consumption. It is therefore designing more efficient traction systems, improving aerodynamics and developing modern driving assistance systems.
SPITZKE
Railway infrastructure company, SPITZKE is focussing on responsible resource management in order to reduce CO2 emissions. This includes ensuring both diesel and electricity are used efficiently.
In addition, the company is emphasising social aspects such as employee health and safety, training, and ensuring responsibility towards society.
Lantal Textiles
In Hall 1.1, manufacturers will display eco-friendly products for rail interiors. This includes resource-efficient textiles and floor coverings.
“We have designed several new products which consume significantly less material and water and produce a smaller carbon footprint, ranging from digitally dyed seat covers and floor coverings to recycled waste from our own production facilities.”
WAGO
Manufacturers such as WAGO also assert that small components should make a positive contribution to the environment.
It has thus developed its 221 Series of splicing connectors to include eco-friendly Green Range levers. These incorporate certified-source and organically derived recycled plastic, which saves fossil resources.
The complete list of suppliers exhibiting at InnoTrans 2024 can be found here.
If you are exhibiting at the event and want to further boost your exposure and gain more from the exhibition, please do get in touch or consider adding your company to the Railway-News website.
