The international rating platform EcoVadis has assessed the ÖBB Rail Cargo Group (RCG) with regard to its corporate social responsibility (CSR) and awarded it “Gold” status for the third time in a row. This puts the RCG in the top 1% of companies in the rail freight transport sector assessed by EcoVadis. EcoVadis now evaluates more than 100,000 companies in the areas of the environment, labour and human rights and sustainable procurement.
The award of the EcoVadis Gold Standard is both recognition and an incentive, according to RCG CEO Clemens Först: “The Rail Cargo Group is the sustainable logistics backbone of the European economy. That is why we are investing in the future viability of rail freight transport. In addition to greater efficiency and flexibility, the aim is above all to simplify access to the rail system and thus attract new customer groups.”
RCG top in environmental and social issues
RCG scored particularly well in the areas of the environment and labour and human rights. Its performance here goes beyond the legal obligations. Participation in the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), ISO 14001 certification, the conversion to quiet brake blocks and the numerous training programmes were also rated highly. The extensive range of health measures for employees and offers to improve the work-life balance were also honoured.
Carbon scorecard as an additional assessment element
The carbon scorecard is a new addition to the assessment. This serves to evaluate the management systems in the area of climate change. Here too, the RCG team is delighted to have achieved the second-best “Advanced” rating. The reasons for the good result are the scope of the greenhouse gas management systems, the reporting in accordance with global standards and the data verification by third parties.
Environmental and social responsibility are becoming increasingly important for customers
The motivating result is not only good news for RCG and the environment, but also for customers, who are placing increasing importance on socially and environmentally responsible behaviour. Sustainability reports, certificates and emissions calculations are also becoming increasingly important at regulatory level or in procurement processes. The company’s efforts in the area of environment & CSR are also aimed at generating direct benefits for customers, whether through the fulfilment of contractual obligations or the provision of customer-specific emissions balances.
