The locomotive and passenger train lessor has topped all GRESB rankings, citing a restructured carbon footprint methodology, GRI-aligned reporting and independent verification by TÜV Thüringen as key contributors.
Alpha Trains has achieved the maximum score of 100 points in the 2026 GRESB Infrastructure Assessment and secured a 5-Star Rating for the tenth consecutive year. The company, which describes itself as Europe’s leading private lessor of locomotives and passenger trains, said the result places it first in all rankings published by GRESB.
Alpha Trains said key contributors to this year’s score included the further development and restructuring of its carbon footprint methodology and the continued alignment of its sustainability reporting with the GRI Standards. GRI, the Global Reporting Initiative, is an internationally recognised framework for sustainability reporting.
Fleet emissions calculated from individual asset mileage
The main enhancement to the methodology in 2026 relates to the calculation of Scope 3, Category 13 (Downstream Leased Assets) emissions, which Alpha Trains said represent the largest share of its overall carbon footprint. The company has refined the approach by calculating emissions for all locomotives and passenger train assets based on the actual mileage performance of each individual asset.
Alpha Trains said this provides a more comprehensive view of fleet-related emissions while improving the accuracy and granularity of the calculation. “As a result, Alpha Trains is able to report a more complete and reliable picture of the emissions associated with the operation of its leased rolling stock across Europe,” the company said.
Independent verification of carbon and sustainability data
TÜV Thüringen independently verified both the company’s carbon footprint and its Sustainability Report, including the methodological enhancement. Alpha Trains said this strengthens the robustness, transparency and credibility of its sustainability data and reporting.
Fernando Pérez, CEO of Alpha Trains, said: “A perfect score of 100 out of 100 points and our tenth consecutive 5-Star Rating are strong recognition of the progress we have made on sustainability across Alpha Trains. They show that sustainability is not simply part of our strategy; it is embedded in the way we operate. I am especially proud of the teamwork behind this achievement and would like to thank everyone who contributed.”
The company said the score reflects company-wide efforts to improve sustainability performance, data quality and transparency. Building on its established sustainability programme, Alpha Trains said it continues to refine how it measures and reduces its environmental impact.
Carsten Schnurpfeil, Sustainability Manager at Alpha Trains, commented: “The 100-point result is a great recognition of the continuous work we have undertaken to further improve the quality, transparency and robustness of our sustainability management and reporting. In particular, the improved structure of our Carbon Footprint, our alignment with the GRI Standards and the independent external verification of both our Carbon Footprint and Sustainability Report have further strengthened the quality and credibility of our reporting.”
Verified data informs fleet investment decisions
Alpha Trains said the verified carbon footprint figures are an important element of its overall business and sustainability strategy, providing a transparent basis for understanding the environmental impact of its activities. “The data are used e.g., for fleet investment decisions, helping Alpha Trains assess opportunities to further strengthen the environmental performance of its portfolio,” the company said.
“In addition, the carbon footprint results help to support our customers and operators on pathways towards lower-emission traction and sustainable rail transport solutions,” the company added. It said improving data quality and transparency also allows it to better track progress and identify improvement opportunities.
Participation in GRESB since 2017
Alpha Trains has participated in the GRESB Assessment since 2017 and has consistently ranked among its top performers. Over this period, the company has maintained a focus on sustainability, responsible investment and continuous improvement.
Alpha Trains said the 2026 result demonstrates its commitment to transparency, accountability and sustainable value creation. It added that the independent verification by TÜV Thüringen provides additional assurance on the quality and reliability of its sustainability information.
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