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Portrait

Sustainability

Powerful sustainability for future generations

Rhaetian Railway is committed to powerful sustainability. This means nature is our priority, as it is the basis for social well-being and economic success. We help preserve the mountains of Graubünden and offer nature- and climate-friendly mobility.

Sustainability is a long-standing tradition at RhB. We opted for electrification early on, setting the course for future-proof mobility. Our trains have been electric since 1922 and powered entirely by hydropower since 2013. This means we are making an active contribution to the energy transition and to achieving the net-zero targets.

Our railway infrastructure is designed to be nature-friendly: it seals little soil, protects animals with wildlife warning systems and small animal passages, and reduces noise and light. This preserves the diversity and beauty of the Alps for our children and grandchildren. Part of our network was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. This obliges us to preserve our cultural and natural heritage.

RhB combines technology, tradition and nature, and shows how sustainable mobility has worked for generations.

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Sustainability concept

Our sustainability mission statement anchors our sustainable actions in clear guiding principles - economically, ecologically and socially.

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Field of action

We focus our sustainability activities on clearly defined fields of action along the entire value chain.

Sustainable travel

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100% hydropower

Wenn you travel with us, your train runs on electricity from 100% hydropower. This means that you are travelling in a climate-friendly manner without compromising on reliability and comfort.

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100% electrified

All 385 kilometres of our network are electrified. This means that you can travel on every connection with electricity from 100% hydropower - reliably and in a climate-friendly manner.

A red train travels along the Rhine through the deeply carved, wooded Rhine Gorge with a view of the Alps.

18 % more efficient

We are expanding our range, but the energy consumption per kilometre travelled is reduced. This means more connections for you, less impact on the environment.

Key figures on sustainability

100 % water bridge

Hydropower from the mountains generates our traction current. And has also has also generated the electricity for our buildings since 2025.

100 % of the network is electrified

RhB operates its entire 385-kilometre rail network with electric overhead contact lines, thus offering an efficient, low-emission transport service.

18 % less heating oil

RhB reduced its heating oil consumption from 459,925 litres in 2017 to 375,768 litres in 2024.

12 % fewer VOCs

RhB reduced emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from 3,679 kg in 2017 to 3,240 kg in 2024.

10 % less energy per train kilometre

RhB has reduced its energy consumption per train kilometre from 12.3 kWh in 2017 to 11 kWh in 2024.

100 % of the track has been optimised for noise reduction

The entire RhB network has been optimised for noise reduction. Protective measures for residents have been implemented where emission limits are exceeded.

38 % of heating energy comes from district heating

RhB increased its district heating consumption from 2,345,000 kWh in 2017 to 2,806,208 kWh in 2024, thereby saving climate-damaging heating oil.

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Certifications

With regular certifications, we ensure that we maintain high standards in terms of sustainability.

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Sustainability Report

With our Strategy 2030, we are committed to promoting sustainability and making a positive contribution to society. Our Sustainability Reports highlight our added value.

Sustainability in action

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Protection of eagle owls

We have teamed up with the Swiss Ornithological Institute in Sempach to reduce the risk to eagle owls.

How we protect eagle owls
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Safe paths for the little ones

We don't just build large tunnels. We creata passages for small , ground-dwelling wild animals so they can safely cross the line under the tracks.

Why climate tunnels are important
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Biodiversity

Simeon Eichelmann, a sustainability specialist, explains what RhB looks out for.

What RhB looks out for
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Time-out at 2,300 metres above sea level

Lea Kaspar and her love of the mountains. A two-month break at the SAC Albigna refuge.

What Lea's time-out was like