ÖBB Annual Report 2023

137 Group Management Report Österreichische Bundesbahnen-Holding Aktiengesellschaft Consolidated Financial Statements | Group Management Report 92 Highlights 2023 In 2023, the cross-company “Sustainable Procurement” team was given a higher professional profile. A newly developed roadmap provides an overview of planned work priorities and projects. Communication regarding measures was intensified in order to raise awareness of sustainable procurement both internally and externally. For example, purchasers presented sustainability requirements in their area of activity in external communication channels. The aim is to emphasise the importance of purchasing. A particular highlight was the procurement conference for a sustainable future for ÖBB. The meeting brought together approx. 300 participants to discuss sustainable procurement issues. The conference provided an important opportunity to emphasise the importance of ecological and social aspects in tenders to ÖBB suppliers. In addition, they were informed about current legislative developments as an outlook and to enable them to prepare in good time. This is particularly important for small and medium-sized enterprises. The practical support of purchasers is an important component of ÖBB’s strategy. In 2023, all purchasers were therefore trained in the application of sustainability criteria in tenders. The ÖBB Toolbox is the basis for this activity. It has been refined and new possible criteria have been introduced. Additional information on sustainability has also been added to the purchasing manual. This serves as the basis for the onboarding of new employees in Purchasing. GRI 308-1 ÖBB Purchasing has been systematically incorporating the circular economy into procurement since the beginning of the year. Central aspects of this are the definition of tender criteria in order to integrate the circular economy into tenders and systems and to focus on pilot projects. A first pilot project was launched for the product recycling of shirts and blouses. ÖBB works together with other companies that also want to ensure better reuse of textile companies. This increases the quantity and consequently the effect. Supportive agreements have also been reached internationally. The Railsponsible members agreed on common requirements for self-assessments in order to establish equivalence, as well as on minimum requirements for sustainability audits. In addition, the Head of Strategic Group Purchasing in the ÖBB Group was elected President of the “Railsponsible” initiative in 2023. GRI 2-6 Outlook for 2024 Further pilot projects in the area of climate neutrality and the circular economy will be initiated in the coming year. Moreover, the processes and regulations in the area of sustainable procurement are being further developed. IT projects are to be initiated to facilitate management and ensure better processing options. An expanded application of sustainability criteria in purchasing is also planned. Special priority is to be placed on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises. As members of the value chain, it is essential that they are able to prepare in good time for the reporting obligations of large companies such as ÖBB. Other significant measures Sustainable Procurement (excerpt) Purchased - but sustainably! | In May 2023, ÖBB Purchasing organised the “Procurement conference for a sustainable future” to promote partnership-based cooperation with suppliers. Approx. 300 participants engaged in intensive discussions on key topics such as “decarbonisation”, “circular economy” and “transparency in the supply chain”. Training programme for purchasers | Implementation of targeted training courses to deepen the application of sustainability criteria in tenders and the TCO-CO 2 model in preparing bids. Creation of a “sustainable procurement” roadmap | The roadmap should clearly illustrate upcoming tasks and priorities in sustainable procurement. The roadmap also serves as a guideline for future measures. Circular economy in purchasing | ÖBB Purchasing has developed methods for integrating the circular economy into the procurement process. The focus was on the development of tender criteria and the implementation of pilot projects. All purchasers were trained in the application of these tender criteria. MR92 |