1. Annual report 2014
  2. Responsibility
  3. Environment
  4. Environmental management
  • Supervisory Board
  • Risk management
  • Insider administration
  • Audit
  • Internal audit
  • Remuneration
  • VR City Traffic
  • Properties
  • Conductor
  • For the investor

    • Environmental management

    VR Group’s values in environmental management

    Responsibility and safety are the VR Group values that in particular create a solid framework for environmental management. Environmental friendliness is a competitiveness factor and a major element in the Group's strategy.

    Environmental strategy and vision

    VR Group is the safest and most environmentally friendly partner for customers and the society. VR Group is a pioneer and actively develops its operations. VR Group is working to prevent climate change and is focusing on the use of renewable energy. Reducing and preventing harm to the environment are an integral element in environmental activities.

    Environmental policy

    The environmental plans of VR Group companies and divisions are based on the principles of a common environmental policy and apply the principles of continuous improvement. Implementation of the VR Group’s environmental policy and environmental promises is an element in its management system.

    Environmental targets 2020

    • Energy efficiency in train traffic will improve by 20 per cent
    • Renewable energy will account for more than 60 per cent of VR Group's energy consumption
    • There will not be any major leaks contaminating the soil in the transport of hazardous substances or in the use of chemicals
    • At least 85 per cent of our customers will be satisfied with the level of cleanliness on trains and at stations
    • Waste ending up at landfills will account for less than 15 per cent of all waste (excl. scrapping)
    • The number of people considering VR environmentally friendly will increase by two percentage points

    Successes and setbacks in environmental affairs

    + Customers value VR’s eco-friendliness and environmental communications

    + Renewable energy accounts for a high proportion of energy used in rail services

    + Transports of hazardous substances are safe

    + The amount of waste ending up at landfills has declined

    - Energy consumption per passenger in rail services has not declined as planned

    - Fuel leaks from locomotives

    Environmental opportunities and risks

    + Rail transport mitigates climate change

    + Improving energy efficiency and using renewable energy reduce emissions

    + Considering the environment brings new customers and cuts costs

    - Restrictions/requirements in rail services due to disturbance from noise and vibration

    - Accidents may cause contamination of soil and groundwater and other environmental damage

    - Extreme weather conditions causing service disruptions may become more frequent

    Changes in systems and structures during the review period that improve environmental activities and results

    • Providing the personnel with training that helps them to keep the environmental promises (2013-2020)
    • Main operations have ISO 14001 environmental certificates
    • More extensive use of the green image
    • More effective sorting of mixed waste and treating mixed waste increasingly as combustible waste
    • More extensive use of machine control in track construction
    • Introduction of energy-efficient and low-emission vehicles for the services of Pohjolan Liikenne