---
title: SYSTRA acknowledged at the Global Light Rail Awards
url: "https://www.systra.com/en/news/systra-acknowledged-at-the-global-light-rail-awards/"
type: post
date_published: 2020-11-16
date_modified: 2020-11-17
schema:
  @type: Article
language: en-US
word_count: 260
reading_time: 2 min
canonical: "https://www.systra.com/en/news/systra-acknowledged-at-the-global-light-rail-awards/"
featured_image: "https://www.systra.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/20201112-bis-global-light-rail-awards-scaled.jpg"
---

# SYSTRA acknowledged at the Global Light Rail Awards

![SYSTRA acknowledged at the Global Light Rail Awards](https://www.systra.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/20201112-bis-global-light-rail-awards-scaled.jpg)

Every year, these awards, which are held in the UK, recognise the best global
tramway projects. SYSTRA’s entry was for the innovative tramway track watering
solution installed on Paris’s T3 line, on which the route is grassed at several
points.

With a view to combating climate change and creating a better experience for
passengers, SYSTRA explored different irrigation options around the world and in
various sectors in order to find the most environmentally-friendly, sustainable
and appropriate water management solution.

### An innovative drainage solution to reduce water consumption

It was in collaboration with Netafim, an Israeli specialist in water management
solutions for agriculture, that the solution was finally found: instead of
laying a continuous waterproof slab, we designed with a ladder-shaped slab an
underground system of water distribution drop by drop, ensuring a controlled
irrigation and an efficient consumtion of water. A special grass was also chosen
for its environmental qualities: it absorbs twice as much CO2 as the existing
grass, thus reducing air pollution and improving air cooling. Because the grass
is not tall, it is also easier to maintain. 

By sharing lessons learned and best practices from the agricultural industry,
SYSTRA developed an innovative and sustainable solution for underground watering
using rainwater. In addition to the environmental benefits, the new watering
solution and the grass used, reduceoperating and investment costs, due to a
reduction in required maintenance. 

SYSTRA was also recognised at the event last year, being Highly Commended in the
‘Vision of the Year’ category for our White Paper ‘Automated and Autonomous
Public Transport’.