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At Thales' transport business, ‘Making Green Work’ can only happen through collaboration

Recently, our partner – London Transport Museum – published its ‘Making Green Work’ report, which is aimed at helping build a new green industrial strategy for the UK in the lead up to 2030. Thales was delighted to contribute to the report through our participation in the London Transport Museum’s Interchange programme and speak to the areas we know best in building a ‘green future’ for the UK – technology and innovation. 

While technological innovation will play a key role in revolutionising the UK’s transport network, it is  important to recognise that the ‘right’ digital tools have been available for many years now. So even though technology can deliver the means to fight climate change, a true green revolution will require a new approach to intra-industry culture, public perception and even government action. 

As outlined in the ‘Making Green Work’ report, creating a collaborative approach to climate change within industry should therefore be the first port of call. At Thales, we have become committed to expanding our industry partnerships to help support this goal – from educational partnerships with the London Transport Museum, to strategic collaboration with our broad team of SME partners. 

This can be bolstered by increasing cooperation with the general public, through environmental awareness and literacy campaigns and programmes. By helping improve perceptions of climate change amongst the public, picking the most sustainable service – be it rail or other – becomes the obvious choice for every consumer and will lead to better social value outcomes.

However, improving both industry and public collaboration must also be matched by government action. 

With the UK standing ready to become a global leader in both transport technology and the green revolution, collaboration amongst industry and government must be carried out efficiently. 

Breakout technologies, from hydrogen powered vehicles to command-and-control systems on our railways, are quickly coming to the fore of the UK’s transport network, and as such, must be met with a legislative rigour that encourages further innovation. Early adoption should therefore be seen as the most important collaborative effort between government and the transport industry. 

Collaboration at these three levels is not just optimal, it’s necessary. If we want to build the new green strategy outlined in the ‘Making Green Work’, creating a joint industry culture, public perception and policy approach is our best way forward.