As a trusted innovation partner, we’re helping HS2 reduce embodied carbon and deliver on its ambition to be the world’s most sustainable high-speed rail network. From the vast quantities of steel and concrete in construction, to the movement of materials, tunnelling, and long-term maintenance, every tonne moved and manufactured adds to the project’s embodied carbon footprint. HS2’s own carbon balance sheet highlights these challenges clearly: so reducing construction and logistics emissions throughout the supply chain remains key to achieving its net zero objectives.

At Dura, we believe the best way to decarbonise major infrastructure is to design carbon out from the outset.

Our d² GRP walkway systems, chosen by HS2 for multiple viaducts, are engineered for low embodied carbon and can be fully repurposed at end of life — offering a practical, measurable route to long-term carbon reduction.

Every element of the system, from material selection to packaging and logistics, has been carefully considered to support a closed-loop, low-carbon delivery model.

Our ability to deliver lighter, modular, recyclable components delivers direct carbon savings through:

• Reduced emissions – using less raw material without compromising performance
• Lower freight and logistics impact – lighter loads mean less fuel consumed
• Fewer vehicle movements – optimised nesting and truck loading maximise every journey
• Sustainable packaging – pallet-free systems and minimal shrouding cut disposal impacts
• Certified logistics – FORS Gold-accredited fleet ensures safer, cleaner transport
• Future circularity – Only Dura’s modular GRP components can be removed, reused, or repurposed without landfill

Together, these steps create measurable gains not just at installation, but throughout the product’s life cycle – helping to balance HS2’s construction and operational carbon accounts and supporting the shift from carbon-intensive materials and processes toward renewable, recyclable solutions.

Across the HS2 network, Dura Composites’ systems are being deployed on some of the most complex viaduct and over-bridge schemes, where carbon reduction, safety and construct-ability are equally critical.

A selection of the projects Dura Composites is currently supporting with Design, Supply and Build

GRP Permanent Formwork

In collaboration with our sister company Mekina Industries, we’re extending our commitment to HS2’s low-carbon goals through innovative GRP permanent formwork solutions.

As part of the Godington East and West Viaducts project in Oxfordshire, delivery partner EKFB required a durable, safe, and sustainable decking system to be installed above and between precast W9 concrete beams. With structural complexity, limited access, and tight programme constraints, the solution needed to combine strength and precision with reduced embodied carbon.

Mekina’s Mek-Dek Lite panels met this challenge head-on. Engineered from lightweight composite materials, the system offers the structural performance of traditional formwork while significantly reducing transport emissions, manual handling risk, and on-site waste. In total, 240 panels were installed above and 180 between the precast beams — forming a continuous, secure, and long-lasting surface that improves safety, efficiency, and whole-life sustainability.

About HS2

HS2 is a major rail infrastructure project in the United Kingdom, aimed at creating a high-speed rail network connecting London to Birmingham. The project is designed to improve rail capacity, reduce travel times, and boost economic growth in regions outside London.

Dura Composites is fully aligned with HS2’s principles of promoting economic growth, ensuring value for money, respecting communities, championing collaboration, and creating a lasting legacy.

HS2 Safety and Environmental Standards

HS2 Ltd has set out high standards for HGV safety measures that reflect industry best practice. These measures set the standards for aspects such as mirrors, audible warnings and vehicle signage.

Fleet operators delivering goods to HS2 must be as a minimum Fleet Operation Recognition Scheme (FORS) Bronze and actively working towards Silver. Dura Composites is proud to have active Gold accreditation, a testament to the quality of our HGV fleet operations.

Together, these innovations are helping HS2 set new standards for low-carbon delivery and demonstrate how intelligent composite design can transform Britain’s infrastructure for generations to come.

Our Specialists

We’re helping to answer the major challenges facing Britain’s railway network such as capacity, reliability and efficiency. Talk to our experienced team about how you can tap into our specialist knowledge and engineering capability for your project.