Special prize at the Energy Globe Award

Rail transport causes significantly fewer emissions than road transport – however, standard market tools are only able to calculate the actual extent of the savings on the basis of average values. With the MEILS emissions calculator, the ÖBB Rail Cargo Group (RCG) has succeeded in calculating the emissions values precisely and separately for each rail transport operation. It represents a milestone in the transition to sustainable transport – this was also the opinion of the jury of the prestigious Energy Globe Award, which presented the RCG with a special prize for this achievement on 27 March.

What distinguishes the MEILS project?

MEILS stands for "Mapping Environmental Impacts of Logistics Solutions". The project therefore aims to quantify the positive effects of rail transport on the environment. The tool collects data on all transport operations handled by RCG and collates it to calculate the emissions. In addition to the specific cargo mass, the calculation also takes the type of traction actually used and the exact route into account. Finally, a TÜV-certified certificate shows the emissions for all consignments in an individually defined period and compares them against the value that would have been generated transporting them by road. This document serves as proof for RCG customers of the sustainability report and as confirmation of their unavoidable emissions in the market being offset.

A benefit for RCG customers and society

In addition to the RCG customers who benefit from this advanced calculation technology, the project has a positive effect on society as a whole: it makes the environmental impact of transport modes visible and thus serves to raise awareness. With the use of actual consignment-specific data, RCG is once again able to position itself as an international pioneer.

15.04.2025