Case Studies

Assessing the Benefits of Enhanced Freight Speed Differentials on the GB Network

Category: Cities and Local Authorities, Rail

Aether undertook data analysis and modelling as part of a RSSB project to investigate the benefits of allowing freight trains to run at higher speeds at locations where the signal spacing is sufficient for the increased stopping distance. Such enhanced speeds could potentially lead to improved timetabling, with more competitive running times and better use of capacity on congested routes. The project was led by Railfreight Consulting, supported by specialists Railway Braking Associates, Carrickarory Consulting and D2 Global; Aether developed a geographical model of the rail network and signal locations, and undertook modelling of freight train running times under revised speed limits.

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Developing Improved Methods for Modelling Freight Train Load Limits and Running Times

Category: Rail

Aether contributed to two RSSB projects that developed and tested improved methods for calculating the maximum loads that freight trains can haul and their running times, taking account of traction, wagon types and loadings, and route geography. The projects were led by Railfreight Consulting, with Aether and Carrickarory Consulting undertaking data analysis and modelling, and supported by Mitch Town Consulting, DVision One Limited and D2 Global.

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Guidance on Reducing Emissions from Idling Diesel Trains

Category: Cities and Local Authorities, Rail

This RSSB project undertook research into the extent to which diesel trains are idling, where this occurs, the reasons for it, and the implications for air quality. The findings were used to produce guidance to help the rail industry to reduce the amount of idling without compromising the operation of the railway. Aether led the project team, with specialist advice from Carrickarory Consulting and Atkins-Realis.

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Climate Adaptation Plans Review for Scottish Public Bodies

Category: Cities and Local Authorities, Policies and Measures

Aether have provided an overview of the state of play of climate adaptation planning for Scottish Public Bodies. The study, commissioned by ClimateXChange (CXC) on behalf of the Scottish Government, aimed to facilitate understanding and learnings on gaps in public body reporting on adaptation, including gaps in information on costs and benefits. 

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Risk Assessment and Climate Action Planning with Staffordshire County Council

Category: Cities and Local Authorities, Policies and Measures

Aether supported Staffordshire County Council to develop a climate change risk assessment and climate adaptation and mitigation action plans. The aim of the project was to provide a rapid, independent review of the council's work and to provide recommendations to strengthen the actions that the council would ultimately commit to.

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Adaptation and Mitigation Planning for Tamworth Borough Council

Category: Cities and Local Authorities, Emission Inventories, Policies and Measures

Aether, in partnership with SE2 and Mesh, delivered a package of work to support Tamworth Borough Council to develop an evidence-based climate change adaptation strategy and mitigation action plan.

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LULUCF GHG Inventory Support for Romania

Category: National Governments, Emission Inventories, LULUCF

Aether is supporting the Romanian National Research and Development Institute for Cryogenic and Isotopic Technologies (ICSI) in the compilation of its national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory for non-forest land areas. We are helping to ensure that Romania’s land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF) inventory is robust and of high quality.

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Driving emission reductions through the public sector supply chain: Scope 3 emissions

Category: National Governments, Emission Inventories

Aether contributed to the analysis of procurement (Scope 3) emissions reporting in the Scottish public sector. The research aimed to demonstrate approaches and tools available to Scottish public bodies. The aim was to understand and report their supply chain emissions, providing options for action to improve supply chain reporting across the public sector.

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Runnymede Borough Council Climate Change Study

Category: Cities and Local Authorities, Emission Inventories, Policies and Measures

Aether, in partnership with Land Use Consultants (LUC), delivered a package of works to support Runnymede Borough Council’s (RBC) review of the 2030 Local Plan with a view to introducing stronger policies to address the impacts of climate change.

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Ealing Council Climate Action Plan Multi-Criteria Analysis

Category: Cities and Local Authorities, Policies and Measures

Aether developed a multi-criteria analysis of Ealing Council’s Climate and Ecological Emergency Strategy (CEES) to support the Council with prioritisation and delivery of climate actions to reach their 2030 target of carbon neutrality.

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Luton Council Net Zero Roadmap and Climate Policy and Action Plan

Category: Cities and Local Authorities

Aether, alongside SE2 and associate Joanne Wade, developed a Net Zero Roadmap and Climate Policy and Action Plan to support the council in its vision of a net zero town by 2040.

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GHG inventory support for Estonia

Category: National Governments, Capacity Building, Emission Inventories

Aether is supporting the Estonian Environmental Research Centre (EKUK) and Estonian Environment Agency (EstEA) in the development of its national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory templates. We are helping to ensure that the compilation process is transparent and efficient.

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Testimonial

Don't just take our word for it...

“ A heartfelt thank you to all the Aether team for this very comprehensive review – this is certainly turning out to be one of the most beneficial capacity building projects I have ever been involved in. ”

Saviour Vassallo, Senior Environment Protection Officer, Malta Resources Authority

“ Saint Lucia embraces the professional approach with which this project was undertaken by Aether, particularly their ability to develop mentorship relations with local government experts. This provides a basis for ensuring that the pool of local experts remain engaged and recognized over successive processes. ”

Annette Rattigan-Leo, Chief Sustainable Development and Environment Officer

“ From their winning bid to final delivery, Aether's work with North Norfolk District Council was positive and thorough. They brought a clear understanding of the challenges local authorities face regarding carbon emissions and quickly understood the unique nature of the Coastwise project. Communication was effective, and the outcomes combined a depth of research with real-world utility for the council's activities around carbon emissions and mitigation. ”

Alastair Zangs, North Norfolk District Council

“ I must congratulate each of you for your professional and tireless efforts. Let me point out that this has been the 'neatest' in-country review expert review team I have coordinated, and it has been a real pleasure. ”

UNFCCC Secretariat

“ It has been a pleasure to work with Chris Dore and Richard Claxton from Aether: they did their job in a very professional and timely manner. The workshop was organized and carried out in a cooperative spirit; the information provided to the workshop participants was complete and clear. ”

Alina Novikova, UN/ECE Secretariat

“ The support provided by Aether for this project was especially remarkable considering the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic. The tools and methods used in order to engage local stakeholders really added value to the capacity building of the national team. ”

Shanna Emmanuel, Saint Lucia BUR Project Coordinator

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