It may sound contradictory, but it’s true: high-speed trains can help protect the environment and reduce emissions. Compared to other forms of transport, they have the lowest energy footprint and, based on passenger-kilometers, by far the lowest carbon dioxide emissions.

Although capable of traveling at speeds of up to 350 km/h, Siemens’ Velaro only consumes the equivalent of 0.33 liters of gasoline per passenger and 100 kilometers. This means it can compete on the same level environmentally as jetliners. Over distances up to 1,200 kilometers, rail users travel faster and with less environmental impact, because the train only produces around 14 grams of carbon dioxide per passenger and kilometer, compared to the 140 grams typically emitted by a jet aircraft.

This high level of environmental compatibility and efficiency is down to a variety of factors. The first is smart energy management: this actively adjusts the delivery of energy in line with the train’s current operating needs. Second, the train has optimized aerodynamics: the new Velaro has a fully elevated roof, designed to prevent vortices from forming; roof-mounted equipment like the pantograph, HVAC units and braking resistors is fully encased; the spoiler, nose and front section have all been fine-tuned for better streamlining; Velaro’s optimized outline diminishes the cushion of air that it pushes in front of it, reducing the sonic boom in tunnels; and drag has been cut by 15 percent to deliver an energy saving of between 6 and 8 percent. Third, Velaro is even energy efficient when braking: the train’s electrodynamic braking system can recover almost all of the traction power of around 8,000 kilowatts, allowing as much as 30 percent of the energy consumed to be reused.

Besides its energy efficiency, another plus for environmentally aware customers is Velaro’s resource footprint. The wood in the train’s interiors is sourced sustainably; the coolants used – esters rather than mineral oil, for instance – are not environmentally harmful; and the rolling stock is roughly 97-percent recyclable.

Velaro is already operating successfully in Spain, China and Russia. In 2011, the Velaro D, an updated version, is to be supplied to Deutsche Bahn in Germany. The train will also be operating fast, eco-friendly services to and from London under the name Eurostar 320.