ÖBB Annual Report 2023

133 Group Management Report Österreichische Bundesbahnen-Holding Aktiengesellschaft Consolidated Financial Statements | Group Management Report 88 Other significant measures Resource management (excerpt) Recyclable uniforms | Project with the aim of keeping the textiles used for uniforms in circulation for longer and thus reducing the amount of waste. Remediation of oil separators | Oil separators at twelve ÖBB-Produktion Gesellschaft mbH sites were remediated in order to prevent potential contamination of the soil by fossil fuels in the vicinity of diesel filling stations. Clean track facilities | In 2023, contaminated ballast was replaced with clean material at the Knittelfeld base in order to protect the soil and groundwater from diesel fuel contamination. Goodbye shunting notices | Since August 2022, the Rail Cargo Group has been providing digital information about load-related restrictions and special consignments for national transport operations. This saves approx. 56,000 labels per year and means cost efficiency and resource conservation. Eliminating microplastics in cleaning | In the course of this project by ÖBB- Operative Services GmbH & Co KG, the ingredients and plastic materials used in cleaning products and their impact on people and the environment were analysed together with students. Alternative cleaning products were also being sourced. The high potential for reducing microplastics is such that the research project is to be expanded over the next few years. G.5. Biodiversity and species diversity GRI 413-1 Management approach ÖBB operates a route network of almost 5,000 kilometres in order to offer its customers a comprehensive rail service throughout Austria. In total, there are approx. 10,000 kms of railway track running through and into the countryside. This encroachment is offset by the fact that railway lines are (in the meantime) also important habitats and refuges for plants and animals. Moreover, ÖBB is convinced that an intact living space ensures a good quality of life for all people. As a climate change mitigation company, ÖBB also wants to contribute to the preservation of biodiversity in the country, as climate development and biodiversity also influence each other. Negative impacts on the environment should be minimised to preserve natural habitats. Nature conservation and species protection are already taken into account in the planning of construction and conservation measures on the basis of the relevant federal and state laws. Necessary interventions in nature and the landscape are implemented in such a way that as few negative impacts as possible occur through avoidance, mitigation, compensation and replacement measures. In addition, ÖBB supports numerous nature and species conservation projects that promote the preservation of biodiversity. The topic of “biodiversity and species diversity” is also the subject of awareness-raising training and continuing education. Objectives – The mobility and infrastructure-related goals and measures from the Austrian Biodiversity Strategy 2030+ are being implemented in close coordination with the BMK. – ÖBB wants to further reduce the use of chemical herbicides in vegetation control on railway tracks. – ÖBB wants to raise awareness among its employees on the topic of “species diversity and biodiversity”. – ÖBB wants to implement targeted initiatives to create and improve habitats on and in the vicinity of the railway as far as possible. – Species and nature conservation measures should be achieved in harmony with the operational requirements of the railway. MR88 |