ÖBB Annual Report 2023

125 Group Management Report Österreichische Bundesbahnen-Holding Aktiengesellschaft Consolidated Financial Statements | Group Management Report 80 Reduction of noise emissions and protection against shocks/vibrations Rail transport is an essential part of climate-friendly mobility. Rail noise is the “Achilles heel” in the acceptance of rail as a climate-friendly means of transport – especially noise emissions from freight wagons. As a result, “quiet trains” increase local residents’ acceptance of the railway. ÖBB’s aim is to further reduce the impact of noise emissions and shocks (vibrations) on residents living near railway lines. At the same time, this will further increase travelling comfort for passengers (e. g. night trains). The system view of the interaction between infrastructure and vehicles is crucial to achieving this objective. Infrastructure measures – Efficient stationary noise protection measures, together with BMK, federal states and communities – by promoting noise protection walls and dams (almost 1,000 km of routes are already covered) and the installation of soundproof windows and doors in highly polluted areas – Implementation of the European requirements of the TSI Noise (“quieter routes”) in Austria with a focus on all railway undertakings or wagon keepers operating on the ÖBB network: from 08.12.2024, only quiet freight wagons (i.e. appropriately converted to low-noise brakes) may operate on so-called “quiet routes”. They are approx. 10dB quieter than before the conversion. – Noise reduction measures through ongoing maintenance operations on the rail network (e.g. rail grinding) – Annual report “Monitoring Schallemissionen Eisenbahnverkehr Wörthersee” with reference to railway noise emissions of the double-track southern line in the central region of Kärnten (together with the federal state of Kärnten) – Research and development - to promote new and innovative measures to further reduce railway noise (a selection of research projects is available as part of the “Quiet tracks” initiative at https://konzern.oebb.at/de/leise-gleise/forschung- entwicklung) – Measures to minimise shocks / vibrations (e.g. condition of the track, structure / layering of the track substructure) Vehicle-related measures – Rail Cargo Group is fully committed to achieving quieter rail freight transport. To achieve this, all their freight wagons currently in operation are fitted with new quiet brake pads. The contact surfaces remain smoother and the rolling noise is as a result decisively quieter. Freight trains then sound almost half as quiet as conventional wagons. The conversion began in March 2018 and was completed in 2023. By the end of 2023, over 99% of Rail Cargo Austria AG’s fleet will be equipped with quiet brakes and therefore already meet the legal requirements that apply from 2024. This measure corresponds to the implementation of the European TSI Noise requirements so that freight wagons will be allowed to run on quieter routes from 2024. – Further application of applicable technical norms / standards with regard to noise reduction in the procurement of new rail vehicles for passenger and freight transport and buses for passenger transport by road – Implementation of on-board measures to minimise shocks / vibrations (condition of rolling stock, weight / speed and composition of trains...) – Noise reduction in railway operations through targeted training and information of employees for noise-reducing operational management (noise protection instructions for shunting and operation). Classic air pollutants Note: CO 2 emissions are dealt with in chapter G.1 Climate change mitigation. Classic air pollutants (NO 2 , NO X ,...) are emitted at ÖBB, similar to greenhouse gas emissions, to a large extent in combustion processes. This occurs both in transport (e. g. diesel use in rail / bus and internal transport) as well as in stationary systems (heating systems). Dust and particulate pollution at ÖBB often originate from other sources as well - especially from construction and maintenance projects. Objectives Further reduce air pollutants from traffic and stationary sources and also keep dust and particulate matter pollution low. This will be addressed by dealing with the following areas: – Air pollutants in traffic: Reduction of emissions from combustion (especially nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide), for example through engine technology (exhaust standards, Euro classes, etc.) and tire and brake abrasion (especially dusts) Note: Decarbonisation measures from Building Block 1 - Climate change mitigation (e.g. replacement of diesel) not only have a reduction effect on GHG, but also reduce classic air pollutants accordingly. – Air pollutants from stationary combustion (e. g. oil heating systems) – Dust and particulate pollution caused by ÖBB construction and maintenance projects primarily expansion and optimisation of rail infrastructure) MR80 |