Driving sustainable change with Christina Bailey, a recognized leader in rail

For Christina, sustainability is not a buzzword or a passing trend. It’s a way of doing business that reduces costs, improves operations and creates real opportunities for long-term improvement. She notes that the term is often used without a full understanding of what it means in practice, emphasizing that sustainability must be built on technical knowledge and a deep understanding of how systems actually work.  

“To me, it’s having the technical expertise and understanding as a foundation. That is key to being able to apply or implement sustainable solutions that can tell the entire story,” she says. 

That story includes environmental compliance, circular economy principles, auditing and reporting requirements and the realities of an evolving regulatory and political climate. Grounded in technical rigor, regulatory compliance and a deep understanding of waste systems, Christina and her team implement sustainable solutions designed to hold up over the years.  

Through standardized programs, on site waste management strategies and centralized data platforms that support accurate tracking, auditing, benchmarking and informed decision making, they help rail clients improve operational efficiency, reduce risk and protect their brand by turning sustainability into measurable value that supports long-term success.

Rather than offering surface level or one size fits all solutions, Christina and her team work alongside clients to understand how systems function in practice and where they can fail. A typical engagement begins with mapping processes, identifying responsibilities and pinpointing gaps that create risk or inefficiency.  

“It’s really been a matter of establishing trust and credibility, and that’s what sets us apart. It’s about becoming a trusted authority where our opinions and ideas are valued,” she says. 

From waste characterization and sampling plans to documentation, reporting and compliance within strict regulatory timelines, her approach emphasizes clarity, accountability and continuous improvement.  

By prioritizing communication and engaging stakeholders at every level, from senior leadership to field staff, she aims to embed sustainability into daily routines to support continuous improvement. No matter how long a client has been established, Christina believes there is always an opportunity to refine processes, apply new sustainability concepts and adapt to emerging technologies or regulatory changes.

As freight demand continues to grow, Christina sees sustainability as essential to the future resilience of the rail industry, a fundamental shift in how business must be conducted.  

“Sustainability saves money, bottom line. Reducing waste hauls, minimizing waste in general, initiatives like LED lighting, all those things have a direct impact,” she says.  

With freight volumes expected to rise significantly in the coming decade, she believes rail has a unique opportunity to challenge the status quo. Fuel use represents a major area for impact, as railroads are among the largest consumers of diesel fuel in the United States. Their role as major landowners also creates opportunities to strengthen land stewardship, biodiversity and climate resilience. 

By helping clients unlearn outdated practices, training and supporting their personnel and adopting effective standards that are continuously measured and monitored, Christina sees sustainability as a powerful driver for long-term transformation across rail infrastructure and operations.

Christina’s influence often begins with listening. Drawing on decades of experience in hazardous waste management, she engages in open, practical conversations with clients to better understand what waste is being generated, where it comes from, and why. These waste audits help identify risks, uncover inefficiencies and shift mindsets around compliance and sustainability.

By connecting everyday actions to broader environmental and safety outcomes, Christina empowers teams at every level to take ownership of sustainability.

Christina is passionate about encouraging more women to explore careers in rail and sustainability, especially those who may not realize the breadth of opportunities available. Rail is not limited to engineering roles alone. It requires capability in sustainability, IT, finance, accounting, operations and more.  

“Don’t limit yourself. Self-doubt is common but say yes to opportunities. You never know where it can take you. Whether in the field or in the office, rail offers diverse career paths with the potential to make a meaningful impact,” she says. 

Christina encourages young women to attend job fairs, pursue certifications, actively seek out open roles and stay curious about what the industry has to offer. There are women in rail networks that foster connection and mentorship. That sense of belonging and shared understanding reinforces the importance of visibility and support for women in the industry.  

For Christina, respect ultimately comes from knowing your work, standing your ground and showing up with confidence and integrity.

Despite current uncertainties around environmental regulation and broader industry change, Christina remains optimistic about the future of rail and sustainability.  

“Rail will continue to be shaped by international standards, innovation and collaboration beyond any single regulatory environment. We’re a global economy now, many of our clients are global and, together, we’ll continue to drive sustainable initiatives, so don’t lose heart,” she says. 

For those entering the industry, Christina encourages professionals to believe in their capabilities, use their voice, stay committed to doing meaningful work, seek out mentors and develop the tools needed to navigate challenges.  

“Believe in yourself. If you have the technical chops, don’t let anyone dim your light. Progress may not always be linear, but meaningful change is built through persistence, collaboration and a commitment to doing the work the right way,” she says.