SCHOOL children joined the celebrations as Worcestershire Parkway proudly marked its achievement of becoming carbon neutral.
Children from Norton Juxta Kempsey Primary School were joined by representatives from Worcestershire County Council and rail industry partners at the station to mark the significant sustainability milestone – achieving carbon neutral just five years after opening.
The station, developed by Worcestershire County Council with support from rail development consultancy SLC, was designed to minimise carbon emissions in line with the council’s Net Zero Carbon Plan.
Now, using data from the RSSB Rail Carbon Tool and analysis by SLC, Worcestershire Parkway has been found to have reached a stage where it is removing more carbon from the atmosphere than was emitted during its construction and operation.
Coun Marc Bayliss, Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “I am incredibly proud to celebrate Worcestershire Parkway reaching carbon neutrality just five years after its opening.
“This milestone is a testament to the hard work and dedication put into ensuring the station is not only a hub for sustainable transport but also a model for environmental responsibility.
“The station plays a crucial role in shifting people to greener transport options, reducing congestion, and helping us move closer to a sustainable future across the county.”
Sarah Marshall, Deputy Headteacher at Norton Juxta Kempsey CE Primary School, said: “We were thrilled to be invited along to Worcestershire Parkway to help celebrate its carbon-neutral milestone. Over the past five years, our keen Eco Council representatives have regularly visited the station, tending raised beds and to litter pick.
“It is a fantastic opportunity for pupils to genuinely contribute to their local community and to put into practice all that they learn about caring for their environment.
“At NJK we work together with the love and joy of God to maximise our unique potential, and we hope that we can continue to make a positive contribution.
“The ongoing links with the station, rail partners and The Bee Friendly Trust have enriched our curriculum and we’re incredibly grateful for the ongoing enthusiasm shown by everyone involved in maintaining and growing these relationships.”
