ABSTRACT
The train depot project for Regionalverkehr Bern Solothurn (RBS) in Bätterkinden, Switzerland, that is going to be realized as of 2026, establishes a new standard in sustainable railway infrastructure by combining architecture, engineering, and stringent environmental practices. Its “green tracks” concept replaces traditional ballast with vegetated, fixed tracks that absorb rainwater, reduce noise, and mitigate urban heat. A dedicated on-site test facility validates this system’s environmental performance. The depot’s structural design reduces material use and integrates installations within a suspended roof, lowering the building’s height and ensuring the blending with the village’s urban fabric. Sustainable design elements, including solar power, biomass heating, natural ventilation, and eco-friendly materials, improve energy efficiency and indoor air quality. This holistic approach ensures eco-friendly standards and advances sustainable innovation in the realm of the future of railway.
