ÖBB Annual Report 2023

123 Group Management Report Österreichische Bundesbahnen-Holding Aktiengesellschaft Consolidated Financial Statements | Group Management Report 78 Current precipitation data as an important basis for the dimensioning of drainage systems Climatic changes may also affect the entire railway infrastructure as well as the environment in proximity to the railway (embankments, slopes, torrents and avalanche catchment areas, etc.). Ultimately this may effect the entire railway operation. Such climatic changes may include a rise in average temperatures, an increase in wind speeds or a change in precipitation patterns (more intensive precipitation, rain, snow, etc. in a certain, generally shorter time interval) as well as changes in the frequency and intensity of weather events. Precipitation data that is as current as possible and also continuously updated is therefore used for the dimensioning of drainage systems. This data is obtained from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Regions and Water Management via internet retrieval. Small-scale, heavy precipitation events in particular may increasingly lead to floods, mudslides or landslides, depending on regional and local conditions. It is very difficult, however, to make specific statements about changes caused by climate change. It is, however, particularly difficult to predict localised extreme weather events that result in major consequential damage. The aim of using the constantly updated precipitation data, however, is to provide the best possible basis for the dimensioning of drainage systems. Highlights 2023 It is essential for the ÖBB Group to analyse potential climate risks in view of the ongoing climate change and its possible consequences. A well-founded climate risk analysis determines whether potential climate hazards could develop into climate risks, which in turn could have a significant impact on business activities. The findings from the analysis are used for the extended reporting obligations under the EU Taxonomy Regulation and the future requirements under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). The climate risk analysis also lays the foundation for the ÖBB Group to take appropriate measures to adapt to climate change. This strengthens climate resilience and secures the Group’s performance. The evaluation of risks from force majeure and natural hazards has been an integral part of risk management for many years. In addition, the assessment of climate risks with a long-term time horizon is becoming increasingly important due to rising extreme weather events, longer periods of heat, etc. A climate risk and vulnerability analysis in relation to physical climate risks was therefore conducted for the first time in the 2022 financial year (see also section G.8. – EU Taxonomy Regulation). The analysis is based on the best possible climate scenario data available in Austria (ÖKS15). The climate data from 1991 to 2020 was evaluated for the next ten years (2021 to 2030) by applying the data of ÖKS15. The RCP 8.5 climate scenario range was examined for the period 2021 to 2050. Climate scenario RCP 8.5 is a scenario where greenhouse gas emissions remain high. The process was accompanied by climate experts from GeoSphere Austria – Federal Institute of Geology, Geophysics, Climatology and Meteorology in order to assess the climate scenarios in the best possible way. The negative impact was assessed qualitatively on the basis of a standardised rating scale. Besides the minor standard updates, the Rail Cargo Group’s climate risk and vulnerability analysis was also carried out for selected locations outside Austria in 2023. It takes into account the climate hazards of heat waves, wind, river flooding, coastal flooding, changes in precipitation patterns and extreme precipitation. Various uncertainties (e.g. insufficient database) meant that a quantitative assessment was only conducted where currently possible. A complete quantitative assessment was not performed in the first step. The natural hazard information map was finalised in 2022 as an additional tool, particularly in the area of rail infrastructure. Natural events along the ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG route network were standardised and objectively recorded nationwide. In 2023, the needs-based updating of the reference maps was started based on this, depending on any natural events and new protective structures. A total of up to approx. 105 km of railway support forest was planted in 2023 to minimise tree toppling and breakage in the direction of the overhead line during storms and thunderstorms. This means that trees that could fall into the track during storms or thunderstorms were removed as required and replanted with suitable tree species. This continues to make a substantial contribution to increasing safety, punctuality and route availability. MR78 |