ÖBB Annual Report 2023

Group Management Report 124 Österreichische Bundesbahnen-Holding Aktiengesellschaft Consolidated Financial Statements | Group Management Report 79 An innovative pilot project was implemented in 2023 to better assess unexpected damage and disruption to ÖBB’s rail network in the future. This project will see “drone garages” deployed across the route network in future. The drones used send real-time images of the condition of the affected section of road. This saves time by shortening processing times and minimising route closures. Regulation 09.04 – Design and dimensioning of drainage systems – was updated as required in 2023 in order to make a corresponding contribution to sustainability. This set of regulations now contains a new provision stating that precipitation water should primarily be infiltrated on site before it is discharged into the sewerage system, for example. As a result, the water is fed directly into the natural water cycle. Numerous studies and observations have also shown that the railway’s various retention and infiltration basins are important wetland habitats in the landscape. Outlook for 2024 The next more detailed evaluation of potential climate risks will take place in connection with the transition to the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) E1 – Climate Change. In addition, GeoSphere Austria – ÖBB’s cooperation partner – will provide the EURO-CORDEX data including statistical error correction in Q3 2024 to further refine the CRVA abroad. In 2024, work will also continue on the restoration of the protective forests in order to ensure the stability of the protective forests and their protective function against natural hazards and soil erosion. Reforestation has the highest priority as a result. This is intended to promote regeneration and a mixed forest culture. As in previous years, protection facilities against natural hazards are built as a result of the natural hazard information map or reinvested as needed due to the current condition of the facilities. Other significant measures Climate change adaptation (excerpt) Flood vulnerability | Findings of the analyses as a basis for the evaluation of flood protection projects by third parties. Preventive tree removal – “railway support forest” | Preventive tree removal is intended to minimise disruption to the railway caused by branches or falling trees during storms and thunderstorms. G.3. Emissions (excl. CO 2 ) Management approach In Austria, the transport sector is responsible for about 16% of dust emissions and for about 55% of nitrogen oxide emissions part of the classic air pollutants). The main polluter is road traffic. Noise emission is another environmental impact that the population feels most affected by because of its direct perceptibility. The main source of noise pollution is traffic, with road traffic also dominating as the main noise generator. Rail is by far the most climate-friendly means of transportation, but it also causes emissions. Besides greenhouse gas emissions (note: GHG emissions, see chapter G.1. climate change mitigation), classic air pollutants such as nitrogen oxide (NOX) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) are also emitted. These are generated by rail, bus and internal company transport using diesel as well as by heating systems in the stationary sector. Furthermore, noise emissions and vibrations, dust and fine dust as well as light pollution and electromagnetic smog occur during the operation of trains and buses. In line with the company’s sustainable direction, ÖBB aims to reduce all types of emissions that may pose a burden on people and the environment. This is all the more true as rail transport will continue to increase. With effective measures, ÖBB aims to minimise the potential impact of emissions on local residents and nature, while at the same time optimising comfort and safety for its customers. The main ÖBB areas for reducing emissions are: – Acoustic emissions / vibrations – Classical air pollutants (note: GHG emissions are specifically reported on in the climate change mitigation module) – Light pollution / electromagnetic fields | MR79