Recognising the central role of the transport sector in fostering a responsible growth, FS Italiane Group’s aim is to improve quality of life, competitiveness, social cohesion, inclusion and territorial equity, by developing integrated and efficient transport infrastructure and systems that promote sustainable and accessible mobility for everyone, thereby reducing territorial and social inequalities.

Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane SpA takes on this responsibility in accordance with the principles set out in this Environmental Policy, which underpins FS Italiane Group’s work and guides both its direct operations, and its strategic direction and coordination over the Group’s companies, in full compliance with current laws, undertaking, wherever possible, to adopt more stringent standards than those required by applicable legislation, and taking into account the relevant needs and expectations of stakeholders and local communities, whilst promoting social justice, public health and collective welfare.

The Group manages its processes in a responsible manner, in accordance with the relevant principles of the United Nations Global Compact, and in line with the commitments set out in the 2030 Agenda, the National and European Strategy for Sustainable Development and Biodiversity, from a nature-positive perspective.

FS Italiane SpA and FS Group, in accordance with the Group’s sustainability strategies and in line with international standards, and aware that their activities and services can affect many people and communities, and also to guarantee the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, are committed to protecting the environment. They will do so by improving their environmental performance, preventing negative impacts such as pollution and climate change, and by making the most of the opportunities in the following areas:

Climate change

• Promoting an integrated transport system with a focus on efficiency and environmental protection, in its processes, services and activities, to support the transition to a more sustainable model that improves the quality of urban life, reduces health risks linked to pollution, and promotes equitable access to transport services;
• Pursuing environmental opportunities whilst mitigating climate risks that may have significant socio-economic impacts on local communities and workers in the sector;
• Promoting the efficient use of energy resources and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through the implementation of energy-efficient technologies and by fostering the use of renewable energy sources, with the aim of achieving the Net Zero goal by 2040, to the benefit of future generations and everyone’s health;

Pollution

• Preventing and reducing the potential pollution of water, soil and air at source, through targeted management of goods, works and services procurement procedures, especially by replacing and minimising the use of products containing substances of concern, and phasing out those containing substances of very high concern, for non-essential uses, in its own operations and in those linked to the value chain, to protect the health of people, workers and local communities;
• Mitigating and, where possible, eliminating the impact on health and the environment (water, air and soil) resulting from the performance of significant activities, whilst also paying attention to noise, vibration and light pollution in the surrounding areas, to ensure the physical and mental well-being and quality of life of local communities;
• Adopting the BAT (Best Available Techniques) to combat and reduce potential pollution arising from the Group’s activities, in a shared social responsibility perspective throughout the production chain;

Water

• Reducing water consumption volumes, by ensuring a responsible management of water resources whilst respecting aquatic ecosystems and making sure they are available for other uses, including those linked to the basic needs of vulnerable people and communities;
• Protecting water resources, by promoting water recovery and reuse, particularly in those areas subject to water stress, and ensuring access to clean water and sanitation services as a fundamental human right and an essential element for social equity;

Biodiversity and ecosystems

• Preventing, mitigating, and, where possible, eliminating the negative impact on natural resources, fauna, flora and habitats, whilst also undertaking measures to restore biodiversity and strengthen local socio-economic resilience;
• Ensuring that new infrastructure is built while fully respecting the landscape, by integrating design, construction techniques and compensatory measures that preserve the environmental characteristics of the area and the quality of life of the communities involved;
• Promoting the creation of liveable urban spaces, to reduce air, water and noise pollution, and mitigate phenomena such as droughts and heatwaves to improve people’s welfare and the usability of public spaces;

Circular economy

• Fostering a rational and efficient use of natural resources, especially non-renewable resources and critical raw materials, by reducing their consumption and promoting their recovery, to help the green and digital transition, whilst generating new employment opportunities and inclusion in the labour market;
• Facilitating the transition to a circular economy in its operations, and the adoption of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) based processes, by preventing waste generation and applying a waste hierarchy policy, e.g. reuse and recycle, by actively involving employees, partner companies and local communities;
• Monitoring its impact over the entire value chain, encouraging suppliers and business partners to improve their performance, and promoting sustainable procurement principles, in an environmental and social justice perspective.