ÖBB Annual Report 2023

Group Management Report 126 Österreichische Bundesbahnen-Holding Aktiengesellschaft Consolidated Financial Statements | Group Management Report 81 Light pollution and electromagnetic fields Light sources such as train station lights and illuminated billboards are artificial light sources. These sometimes have a significant impact on animal, plant, and human life. Conversely, sufficiently illuminated traffic areas are also essential for the safety of ÖBB customers and employees as well as for railway operations. A sensitive approach is required when it comes to reducing light pollution, and the same applies to the reduction of electromagnetic fields. Consideration of all interests is necessary in both cases. The use of electrical energy for the supply of traction current and the operation of electrical systems (e. g. 16.7 Hz systems, transformer stations, overhead line systems) can cause electromagnetic emissions. Protective and compensatory measures may be necessary to protect employees, customers and neighbours. The effects of electromagnetic fields can be present in many occupational situations at ÖBB - even in office workplaces. ÖBB is affected by this topic in many ways - minimising and protecting against electromagnetic fields is therefore an important goal. Objectives – Minimisation of light pollution - taking into account the safe operation of railways – Reduction of the impact of electromagnetic fields on affected persons (employees, customers and neighbours) Light pollution – Optimal use of lighting - taking into account safe railway operation – Use of suitable light sources (e. g. replacement of mercury high-pressure lamps) and sensible planning / implementation of lighting (e. g. no direct light emissions upwards) - brings additional opportunity to save energy – Use of insect-friendly light sources (colour temperature less than 3000K) in non-safety-relevant areas – Use of lamps with protection class of IP 65 and higher. This prevents insects from coming into direct contact with the light source. Electromagnetic fields – Keeping the effects of electromagnetic fields on affected persons (employees, customers, neighbours) to a minimum, especially in the case of installations for the supply of traction current or the operation of electrical installations. – In other processes (construction and maintenance processes up to office work processes) In the context of new buildings and large-scale conversions, EMC assessments (EMC = electromagnetic compatibility) or EMC investigations are conducted in order to examine the effects on the environment and minimise them with suitable measures. Return conductors are used as standard in new buildings and conversions to minimise electric fields. In areas of sensitive use, project-specific specifications are made to minimise electric fields (e.g. public park at Schedifka Square). Key figures at a glance 2023 2022 Noise Noise barriers in kilometres 971 960 Noise barriers in kilometres 65 65 Infrastructure-related investments in noise protection in EUR million 6.4 4.7 Freight wagons with LL soleplate (low-noise brake pads) in the RCA stock 16,243 16,476 Freight wagons with LL soleplate (low-noise brake pads) in the RCH stock 1) 5,329 4,584 Emissions Österreichische Postbus Aktiengesellschaft | ČSAD AUTOBUSY České Buděyovice a.s. 1) Number of Euro2 and Euro3 buses 1 | 0 2 | 0 Number of Euro4 buses 3 | 0 8 | 0 Number of buses in lower emission standard classes Euro5 / EEV and Euro6 2,478 | 292 2,511 | 299 Amount of nitrogen oxides (NO X ) from diesel consumption in Austria in tonnes 2) 1,114 1,147 1) Key figure shown applies to foreign countries. 2) Rough calculation approach using an average NOx value per litre of diesel according to the Federal Environment Agency (2021 data basis). | MR81