COP26

UN Climate Change Conference UK 2021

Avanti Team - Avanti West Coast Blog Author
Created by the Avanti West Coast team

Posted: 12/11/2021

The UK, in partnership with Italy, hosted the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow on 31 October to 12 November 2021. Glasgow is one of our most popular destinations, and we were proud to play our part in this major event by getting delegates to and from the conference safely, responsibly and in comfort.

Making a difference today to look after tomorrow

Our planet means the world to all of us, and here at Avanti West Coast, we’re committed to Our Responsible Plan as we continue to connect towns, cities and communities across England, Scotland and Wales.

Avanti West Coast is a joint venture between UK based FirstGroup and Italian rail operators Trenitalia. Since taking the reins in December 2019, we’ve made excellent progress with our plans to deliver a cleaner, greener railway which drives train travel forward for the benefit of our planet, our people, our customers and our communities.

UN Climate Change Conference UK 2021

COP26 - The Conference

The Climate Train - October 30, 2021

On October 30th a special 'Climate Train' operated between the Netherlands and Scotland carrying passengers to COP26, the international climate change conference in Glasgow, thanks to a partnership between Avanti West Coast, Eurostar, NS, ProRail and Youth for Sustainable Travel.

Official delegations from European countries joined young people, MEPs, and NGOs such as Friends of the Earth and Oxfam, to enjoy one of the more sustainable ways to travel between the continent and COP26.

Read our Climate Train press release

The Route - October 30, 2021

The Climate Train

Amsterdam to London St Pancras

  • Depart - Amsterdam Centraal - 08:47
  • Depart - Rotterdam Centraal - 09:28
  • Depart - Brussels Midi/Zuid - 11:04
  • Arrive - St Pancras International - 12:09

Did you know?

A passenger's carbon footprint from one flight between Amsterdam and London is the equivalent of seven Eurostar journeys.

For more information visit: https://www.eurostar.com/uk-en/tread-lightly

Climate Train Europe

The Wellbeing Walk

St Pancras to Euston Station

After arriving at St Pancras, passengers on the Eurostar service will then go to Euston Station via the Wellbeing Walk. The route was created by Urban Partners: a voluntary business partnership made up of organisations in the Euston, King’s Cross and St Pancras area. Members commit funds, expertise and time to deliver initiatives that benefit our local neighbourhoods for those working, living, studying and visiting the area. https://urbanpartners.london/

  • St Pancras International
  • Euston Station
Wellbeing Walk

Avanti West Coast

London to Glasgow

  • Depart - London, Euston - 13:27
  • Arrive - Glasgow - 18:00

Did you know?

The climate train champions the ease of travelling between the home nations by train and the environmental benefits of rail travel – the 401 mile journey by train emits 23kg of CO2e per passenger compared with a plane journey of the same distance that emits 159kg per passenger – saving 136kg of CO2e per passenger. That is equivalent to almost 7 times the savings.*

*This data was created using DEFRA Carbon Conversion factors to establish CO2e totals for both train and plane journeys from London to Glasgow. Defra conversion factors are regularly updated and are used across the industry as a reputable conversion source. CO2e is the abbreviation of Carbon Dioxide equivalent. A term often used to compare the emissions from various greenhouse gases on the basis of their global warming potential.

UK Climate Train Map

Our local food and drink suppliers

We’ve teamed up with a lovely bunch of local suppliers, handpicked to deliver some of your delicious and responsibly sourced refreshments onboard. Most can be found along our route which helps to reduce our footprint, minimise food waste and work together on more sustainable packaging. Read all about them and get a taste of what to expect when travelling with us.

Travelling in First Class? Discover our First Class Menu

Supplier UK Map

Travelling with us in First Class?

View our First Class menu

Our Green Champions

Fatin's Story

Fatin Abdalla has two roles at Avanti West Coast. Not only is she an onboard Customer Service Assistant, but also works in our Sustainability Team as a Carbon Reporting Executive. Hear about what Fatin does to save the planet as well as studying for a PhD.

Driving Green

As well as taking our Pendolinos up and down the West Coast Main Line, our Driver Michael Knights is an Avanti West Coast Green Champion.

Here he explains how he makes rail travel more sustainable and how we all have our part to play in a greener future.


What’s the Avanti West Coast plan?

Our Responsible Plan is built on four pillars which help focus the sustainable development goals we’re aiming for. Our plan will protect our planet, with our people at its heart, doing what’s right for our customers and improving life in our communities. And how do we do it? Well, that’s down to all of us…

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Our planet

We’ll make rail travel greener. All of it, not just A to B. 

Find out more
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Our people

We’ll listen, empower and inspire our colleagues. 

Find out more
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Our customers

We’ll deliver a more sustainable operation which works for all our customers. 

Find out more
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Regional accessibility panels

Get involved to support our accessibility improvements. We run a number of regional accessibility panels to get your feedback.

Find out more

COP26 - Useful Links

COP26 Globe

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