Porterbrook, the rolling stock owner and asset manager, has been named Transport Sector Leader in the annual Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) assessment, where real estate and infrastructure organisations across the world are compared based on their environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance.

Established in 2009, GRESB has become the leading ESG benchmark for real estate and infrastructure investments across the world.

In its sixth year of participation, Porterbrook achieved its best performance to date, earning a score of 99/100 and coming in fourth place out of 549 participating entities. Porterbrook also came first in its peer group, achieving its third consecutive five-star rating.

Mary Grant, CEO of Porterbrook said: “We’re incredibly proud to have been recognised as Transport Sector Leaders in the annual GRESB benchmark. At Porterbrook, our shareholders, customers and industry stakeholders rightly place a high value on sustainability. As a company, we’ve continued to build on our progress across all three pillars of ESG as we support the railway’s journey towards net zero.”

Sebastien Roussotte, CEO of GRESB said: “Across the globe, organisations are demonstrating a deep commitment to ESG integration while making important strides towards a more sustainable future for us all. Sector Leaders are the organisations setting the pace and driving progress toward a net zero future. We are proud to recognise your determination, achievement, and leadership in creating a more sustainable world.”

The GRESB result reflects the progress made in Porterbrook’s sustainability journey, including the development of HydroFLEX, the UK’s first hydrogen train, and advancements in hybrid and battery powered rolling stock.