Congratulations to the 27 shortlisted finalists selected from the 71 nominations submitted by UIC members from around the world. These outstanding projects showcase the passion, innovation and commitment of railway organisations working to advance sustainable transport and create lasting positive impact.
The UIC Sustainability Impact Awards 2026, building on the 2024 edition, celebrates projects that demonstrate broad measurable sustainability benefits. To be shortlisted, the projects had to demonstrate their contributions to multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), bringing peace and prosperity for people and the planet.
This year’s finalists represent organisations from more than 15 countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, including infrastructure managers, passenger and freight railway undertakings, as well as research organisations. Together, they demonstrate how collaboration and innovation are accelerating the transition towards a more sustainable railway system.
The shortlisted projects cover eight award categories, recognising excellence across the many areas of sustainability within the rail sector.
Projects shortlisted under healthy cities and communities have contributed through improving air quality, enhancing accessibility, and delivering railway infrastructure that supports healthier and more liveable urban environments.
Modal shift recognises projects that have proven to encourage passengers and freight customers to choose rail through innovative mobility services, integrated logistics, and attractive travel solutions that reduce reliance on road transport.
Natural resources showcases initiatives in the fields of circular economy, water conservation, and sustainable material management, as well as innovative approaches to reducing resource consumption across railway operations.
Energy and decarbonisation highlights pioneering solutions to reducing carbon emissions through low-carbon infrastructure, renewable energy integration, energy-efficient renovation and innovative engineering practices.
Seamless connectivity celebrates projects improving multimodal travel, digital mobility services and integrated passenger experiences, making rail a more attractive and convenient transport option.
A number of projects promote accessibility, diversity and inclusion and have demonstrated how railways are becoming more inclusive by improving accessibility for passengers with disabilities, supporting people with reduced mobility, and creating safer, more welcoming public transport environments.
Climate change adaptation and resilience recognises projects that strengthen railway infrastructure and operations against the impact of climate change through innovative monitoring systems, resilient design, and proactive risk management.
Shortlisted projects under the green communication campaign, a new category this year, showcase creative initiatives that engage passengers, employees, and communities, encouraging sustainable transport and strengthening awareness of the environmental benefits of rail.
The winners in each category, together with the overall winner, will be announced during the official awards ceremony on 23 September 2026 at the booth of our platinum sponsor, Alstom, at InnoTrans in Berlin.
