HS2 launches virtual tour of Eco-friendly Station

HS2’s eco-friendly Interchange Station in Solihull has been offered to the public by a virtual tour, as world leaders gather to discuss climate change at COP26.

The virtual tour of HS2’s sustainable Interchange Station showcases HS2’s commitments to helping fight against UK climate change.

The 360-degree online tour shows a virtual exhibition pavilion, demonstrating how HS2 is reducing carbon. This includes using new technology to build one of the most sustainable railways of its kind in the world.

Viewers can step through the entrance of the station, walk through the concourse and ticket check-in area and onto the station platform, viewing videos and virtual exhibition areas along the way.

Top 1% for Sustainability

Interchange Station in Solihull was chosen to host the exhibition because of its BREEAM Outstanding award, putting it in the top 1% of buildings in the UK for sustainability.

Each area of the virtual station focuses on different environmental credentials of the project, including how HS2 will help to decarbonise the transport sector. This is proposed by providing a low carbon alternative for long distance travel, reducing the need for car and plane journeys.

It provides insights about how the project is using clean construction techniques, improving air quality and designing sustainable stations. In addition, creating a green corridor of connected habitats for wildlife and green spaces for people to enjoy along the route.

Visitors can also register for HS2’s COP26 webinar series during the UN summit, which covers cleaner construction, sustainable stations and building a railway resilient to climate change.

Innovation

The exhibits include videos which explain how innovation is playing a major role in the construction of the railway. It demonstrates how HS2 is working with its supply chain to reduce emissions through new low carbon technologies.

Progress on creating new connected habitats for wildlife is brought to life with footage of new areas of tree planting, with insights from HS2’s environmental experts.

To view the tour visit https://360.hs2.org.uk/interchange

HS2’s Director of Environment, Peter Miller, said:

“This interactive exhibition provides a fantastic virtual tour through HS2’s many environmental innovations, as a showcase for the project during the UN Climate Change Conference – COP26.

“It clearly demonstrates how HS2 is playing an important role in delivering the government’s commitment to bring all greenhouse gas emissions in the UK to net zero by 2050.”