An ecologically sustainable society requires an increased level of rail transport. The railways are a means of transport with relatively little impact on the environment. Despite this fact, intensive efforts must nevertheless be made to minimise the environmental impact which the railways nevertheless have.
The main environmental impact of the railways consists of noise and the effects on the countryside, as well as the processing and consumption of materials. The key to reducing the environmental impact of the railways is to do things properly from the very beginning, or in other words to make the right choices in connection with track materials, vehicle components and railway routing.
Each new development increases the risk of conflict with other claims on the environment. It may be a question of areas that are of interest in connection with nature conservation, the preservation of cultural and historical remains, outdoor activities or urban development, for example. An encroachment on such areas could have barrier effects that affect both human beings and animals.
Banverket's sectoral responsibility means, among other things, that the Administration shall initiate, plan and support applied socially-motivated research in the rail sector. R&D Area 4 deals with the safety and environmental adaptation of the rail transport system.