The future of stations is in ecomobility. It means more attractive stations that connect into towns, cities and a world on the move. It means stations that are more economic in their use of the world's resources. It means stations that can use natural techniques to generate heat, electricity and water.

Do you want to see it in practice?

The new Belfort-Montbéliard Station will become the first French station to source part of its heating needs from geothermal energy. Heat pumps will be used in conjunction with boreholes going down 100 metres into the sub-soil. The dual system will be used to power heating, hot water and ventilation systems.

The passenger building will also feature a large glass canopy, to draw in natural light. However, the glazing system will also protect the building from overheating in the summer.

Electricity needs will also be supplied by a solar power plant, with solar panels also used for water heating. 40% of electricity and hot water needs will be met in this way, and 300 sq m of additional photovoltaic membranes will supply the rest of the station's energy needs (36MW/yr).

Another bright idea for heating is the earth tube system that will feed air through underground pipes, for heating in the winter (because the soil is warmer one metre down) and for cooling in the summer.

A "thalweg" drainage ditch system running down the middle of the site will naturally collect and filter rainwater.

The SNCF is also requiring its contractors to sign up to a Green Construction charter with strict rules about noise pollution, waste recycling and pollution prevention throughout the construction.

However, our efforts go further than simply caring for nature! The station will also be designed as a trailblazing multimodal interchange, bringing together TGV high-speed trains, buses, taxis, cars, motorbikes, bicycles and pedestrians, with car parks and waiting areas that give travellers attractive views over the surrounding countryside and the Vosges hills in the distance.

The passenger building features a half-bridge design housing shops, in-station services and fully-accessible features, with a single platform between the two tracks. Belfort-Montbéliard is set to be a fully sustainable station!