EnvironmentOur climate strategy.
We are committed to environmental protection and invest in research and development. Through our climate strategy, we set out targets and measures to reduce the climate-related impacts of our business activities. We take into account issues such as the availability of raw materials, the efficient use of water and energy resources, and the protection of biodiversity when developing new solutions and measures.
Decarbonisation.
Systematic reduction of CO₂ emissions.
Through measures to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, PORR is working towards the goal of minimising its climate-related impact. The strategic framework is provided by the Group-wide Decarbonisation Plan 2030 and the science-based targets set as part of the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi). Seven key areas of action bring together measures aimed at decarbonising the construction industry.
Climate changeand its consequences.
With far-reaching consequences for current and future generations, climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time. The changes in the global climate are scientifically proven and show a clear trend: progressive global warming with devastating effects. This is particularly evident in the increase in extreme weather events, which are causing greater damage with increasing frequency.
We are aware of our responsibility for the climate: a significant proportion of CO2 emissions in the construction sector are caused by the high energy and resource requirements of raw material extraction and processing, the transport of building materials, construction site operations, administrative infrastructure, as well as waste disposal activities. Currently, most of the energy demand is met by fossil fuels.
Greenhouse gas emissionsData collection and reporting in accordance with recognised standards.
Since 2024, PORR has been preparing an annual greenhouse gas inventory in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol). This ensures that the recorded greenhouse gas emissions are systematically documented and analysed.
The inventory covers the greenhouse gas emissions recorded along the value chain in accordance with the chosen accounting approach. In addition to carbon dioxide (CO₂), other greenhouse gases are recorded in accordance with the requirements of the Kyoto Protocol and reported as CO₂ equivalents (CO₂e).
The greenhouse gas inventory forms the basis for setting climate targets and implementing corresponding measures. It supports the analysis of emission sources and the documentation of progress over defined reporting periods.
Through its participation in the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), PORR aligns its climate targets with science-based requirements.
Seven leverson decarbonisation.
PORR has developed a detailed climate transition plan to achieve its decarbonisation targets by 2030. This serves as a strategic foundation for coordinated measures along the entire value chain. It takes into account legal requirements as well as technological innovations and market changes. The plan is continuously being developed on the basis of the latest scientific findings.
It focuses on seven key areas of action that have been identified through close cooperation between various departments within PORR. These areas concentrate on the company's main sources of emissions and define concrete steps for the gradual reduction of CO₂e emissions. Implementation is accompanied and supported by a strategic assessment of sustainable technologies.
Seven decarbonisation levers
PORR is implementing its decarbonisation plan through seven strategic levers, which are targeted at the key emission drivers in the carbon footprint.
Alternative fuels and electrification
This lever primarily addresses direct emissions from the use of machinery, equipment and the vehicle fleet. The focus is on the increased use of alternative fuels such as HVO100 and the gradual electrification of suitable applications.
Energy transition with green electricity
The aim is to reduce energy-related emissions by expanding on-site electricity generation, increasing the purchase of certified green electricity and optimising energy use in operational processes at sites and on construction sites.
Climate-friendly real estate
This lever covers both new builds and Group-owned and leased buildings. Emissions from property operations are to be reduced through energy-efficient standards, optimised building services and the increased use of renewable energy systems.
Optimised mixing processes
In asphalt and concrete production, PORR focuses on technical and process optimisations to reduce energy and resource consumption. These include, among other things, more energy-efficient production processes, higher recycling rates in mixed materials and the use of lower-emission materials.
Lower-emission materials and transport
As purchased materials account for the largest share of emissions, PORR focuses on systematically considering lower-emission building materials and integrating emissions-related criteria into procurement. In addition, transport and logistics processes along the supply chain are addressed.
Avoid – reduce – recycle waste
This lever strengthens the circular economy and reduces waste streams relevant to emissions. The focus is on improved material planning, the reuse of construction site materials, the use of recycled building materials and the prioritisation of material recovery processes.
Extended life cycle of operating resources
Longer service lives, targeted maintenance and optimised usage concepts are intended to reduce resource-intensive new purchases. An initial focus is on the extended use of IT hardware.
Sustainable construction site.
Construction site management Environmental and resource considerations.
On site, environmental, resource and climate targets are put into practice. For this reason, processes, standards and technologies are continuously being developed further, for example through the expansion of the charging infrastructure, the use of lower-emission machinery, and measures to reuse and recycle materials. In addition, life cycle assessments enable a project-specific analysis of emissions and resource use.
A Group-wide, standardised approach to addressing environmental and resource considerations on construction sites, based on established certification schemes, supports the implementation of project-specific requirements. This enables relevant environmental indicators to be systematically documented and evaluated throughout the construction process.
With this approach, PORR supports construction projects that take into account the requirements of the EU taxonomy and are geared towards reducing CO₂e emissions.
Supply chainIt starts with procurement.
PORR sets binding standards for its supply chain to ensure that environmental, social and quality considerations are taken into account when selecting building materials and services. Defined requirements regarding environmental and social standards, as well as quality, apply throughout the entire supply chain. To promote transparency and traceability, we maintain an ongoing dialogue with our suppliers and subcontractors.
Circularity.
Circular economy at PORR.
The circular economy is a key approach to using resources more efficiently. PORR implements measures to reuse and recycle materials and takes circular economy principles into account in selected areas of its value chain.
The aim of these measures is to make better use of material flows, reduce the use of primary raw materials and further develop the circular use of materials in the construction process.
Biodiversity.
Biodiversity is a key component of natural habitats and ecosystems. The impact on biodiversity and ecosystems can vary depending on the type of project and its location. PORR takes biodiversity and environmental considerations into account from the early stages of project planning and defines appropriate measures and requirements accordingly.
MeasuresPORR.
Before a project begins, the potential environmental impacts of the construction site are analysed and taken into account during the planning stage. Examples of measures implemented include:
- Spray mist systems are used to reduce dust emissions.
- Noise barriers and silencers are used to reduce noise emissions.
- Dimmable and diffuse lighting systems are used to minimise potential disturbances to nocturnal species.
- Wetland habitats are managed in accordance with nature conservation legislation through appropriate protection or mitigation measures.
- In selected projects, measures to protect bird and amphibian species are implemented.
- Orchard meadows have been created across an area of around 20,000 m² as a nature conservation measure.
Water
We are committed to efficient water use – both in the construction of our projects and in their subsequent use. Through continuous improvement of technologies and processes, we promote water-saving methods and operating resources. In order to minimise the consumption of fresh water, service water is used in many construction projects. Water circulation systems offer additional savings potential on construction sites and in operating facilities. Regular maintenance of sanitary facilities also contributes to reducing water consumption. At some locations, we also use rainwater basins.
The Water Policy is an important basis for our work. The water officer regularly reviews water consumption and progress in achieving targets together with local contacts as well as specialist departments in the PORR markets. This is used to derive measures for reducing consumption and recycling water – for example, to increase efficiency in construction methods or to integrate water cycles into recycling plants for building materials as well as into soil and gravel washing plants. If necessary, the catalogue of measures and the Water Policy are adapted and expanded.
Awareness raising
From 2025, PORR will be systematically expanding its training programme on corporate sustainability. The aim is to strengthen knowledge of key sustainability topics such as decarbonisation, water management, biodiversity and the circular economy across the entire organisation.
By 2030, a comprehensive, target-group-specific training programme is to be developed which, with practical content and clear thematic focuses, will reach all relevant target groups. In this way, we will promote professional expertise and strengthen understanding of environmental, social and governance issues within the company.