The German Sustainability Award, established in 2008, encourages the acceptance of ecological and social responsibility by identifying role models in this area. Individuals, companies, and cities promoting the idea of a sustainable society are eligible to win an award.
The 13th German Sustainability Award may have been one of the most important ones yet. The website reads:
2020 is a turning point: More than ever, role models are needed who can drive change forward and use the crisis as an opportunity for real transformation. Europe’s most prestigious award for ecological and social commitment now seeks and awards prizes for the best concepts against global warming, resource overexploitation, species extinction, and social division.
There are several different categories, including clothing, construction, communications, healthcare, mobility, and more. This time, the winners were pioneering products that consumers can regard as examples of sustainable consumption. Among them was the Mireo regional and commuter train by Siemens Mobility, winning the Pioneer category of the German Sustainability Award for Design.
The eco-friendly train is Siemens Mobility’s newest design, which offers a comfortable and inspiring ride. The company was awarded the prize because the Mireo combines sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and an attractive passenger experience on a high level of function and design. The jury was also impressed with how the Mireo can transition to running on overhead lines, battery power, or hydrogen fuel cells in the future.
The hydrogen version is currently under development in collaboration with Deutsche Bahn – a project that also involves developing hydrogen filling stations.
Albrecht Neumann, the CEO Rolling Stock of Siemens Mobility, said:
We are delighted that our Mireo train has won the German Sustainability Award Design in the Pioneers category. The Mireo combines cost-effectiveness and sustainability and is characterized by a very comfortable, barrier-free travel experience for passengers. In addition, the variants Mireo Plus H (use of hydrogen from electrolysis) and Mireo Plus B (use of batteries) give operators the opportunity to switch to climate-friendly alternatives – and therefore actively protect the environment.
The first fleet entered passenger service in the Rhine Valley in Baden-Württemberg in June 2020 and on the Rhine-Neckar S-Bahn in December 2020. Meanwhile, Siemens received orders for over 180 Mireo trains and 20 Mireo Plus B battery-operated trains.
Another selling point for the jury was Mireo’s ’empty pipe’ concept, allowing customers and the operator to configure the interior flexibly and freely. It also allows the train to be ordered with different floor heights and car lengths. Siemens engineers accomplished this by installing components only on the roof and the underfloor to the greatest possible extent. This feature results in an exemplary design that could help make traveling by train more attractive for people, keeping them off the roads and out of private polluting vehicles.
The Mireo consumes 25% less energy than previous models, and the materials used have a recycling rate of more than 95% at the end of their life cycle. Both factors further contribute to making passengers feel good about their decision to travel by train because the reduced emissions, use of resources, and noise are better for the environment.
