Embedding a Sustainable Development Culture; Recommendations to Overcome the Barriers and Embrace a Culture of Sustainability

There is no alternative to sustainable development. However, the shift towards a culture of sustainability, especially in the rail context presents some unique but not insurmountable challenges. Research was undertaken to... [ view full abstract ]

There is no alternative to sustainable development. However, the shift towards a culture of sustainability, especially in the rail context presents some unique but not insurmountable challenges. Research was undertaken to identify the current and recurrent barriers to wholly embracing a culture of sustainability within the GB rail industry and provide practical means to overcome them. This research involved a knowledge search on sustainability culture, interviews with rail industry executive leaders and a widely distributed online questionnaire. This research has identified the barriers faced by GB rail in embedding a culture of sustainability such as the lack of knowledge, training and understanding as to what sustainable development is, lack of visible leadership and insufficient resources and engagement. The subsequent recommendations identified by this research intend to help the whole industry combat these challenges to sustainable development and have focused both on rail industry and organisational level approaches to embedding sustainability. The principal recommendation is the development of an overarching rail industry sustainable development strategy. Additional recommendations include embracing sustainable innovation, measuring and monitoring of sustainability performance and focusing on better structuring organisations and people to enable sustainability to be delivered. This research found that it is vital that the rail industry improves the recognition of success and achievements of those organisations contributing to sustainable development and embedding the rail sustainable principles. The need to act is urgent, and this research has found that strong leadership and engagement is critical to working at an industry level to bring sustainable changes. The changes need to take place both within individual organisations but also require collaboration to actively engage and communicate with all suppliers and stakeholders. The sustainable development performance of our railway is delivered through the combined actions of all duty holders. This research supports the fact that only by working together can the sustainability of the railway system for customers, communities and stakeholders be embedded.