Green Design in Rail Industry—Threat or Possibility?

Abstract

In recent years, demands from society and market awareness concerning environmental impact of technical systems and products have increased. The laws and regulations were studied, the technology in the field of green design in the United States was explored, and the findings were compared with European practices. The focus was on the transportation industry. A structured environmental work method within the rail industry can lead to increased market acceptance and increased market shares. The marking of materials and use of less dubious materials will lead to lower fees when scrapping in the future. The following benefits are reasonably short-term and hence easier to see. The use of fewer materials and standardization of those used reduce costs. Low-energy vehicles lead to lower operating costs. Easily disassembled components are beneficial when scrapping and assembling and for the customer's maintenance and repair. Environmental concerns are already being addressed in other transportation modes, such as the automobile and bus industry. Trains are already an environmentally friendly mode of transportation and the rail industry should take advantage of this. To maintain the environmental lead that trains have over other transportation modes and to stay ahead of future requirements it is recommended that the rail industry further develop green design techniques.