Worcestershire Parkway celebrates 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.

Councillor 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."

The station has seen over two million journeys since it opened[1] which has significantly reduced CO₂ emissions by encouraging a more sustainable transport choice. Worcestershire Parkway’s impact in shifting people to rail saves approximately 1,800,000 kgCO₂e each year – which offsets the station’s annual operational emissions of 145,121 kgCO₂e.

The station also had low carbon usage throughout construction[2] as it was closely monitored and minimised throughout the project. For example, reusing on-site material reduced the need for importing new construction materials and reusing platform piles for the station saved enough carbon to power approximately 60 homes for an entire year[3].

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.”

Operated by Great Western Railway (GWR) and served by both GWR and Cross Country train services, Worcestershire Parkway offers connectivity, including direct travel to London Paddington and to Birmingham, Cardiff to Nottingham. Its location on the rail network and proximity to the M5 has encouraged a significant modal shift to rail, helping to alleviate congestion and pollution in the region.

Since opening on 23 February 2020, just before the pandemic, the station has exceeded passenger projections by more than a decade, showcasing its role as a key transport hub. In response to its growing popularity, the station has also improved bus connectivity, including being served by Worcestershire on Demand buses from Malvern and an increased frequency on the X50 Worcester–Evesham–Pershore service.

[1] Source: Figures supplied by GWR, based on Worcestershire Parkway being the origin, destination or interchange station. Figures for the period between 23 February 2020 and 1 February 2025. 
[2] Source: Rail Carbon Tool - The initial carbon footprint was approx 7,690,000 kgCO₂e. 
[3] Source: ONS data showed the average annual carbon footprint in the UK is 8.1 tonnes.