PORR CEO Karl-Heinz Strauss: “Our former sustainability strategy was introduced in 2022. Since then, a lot has changed for the better in the field of sustainability in terms of standards and practical opportunities for action. Our new ESG strategy comprehensively reflects the latest in research, technological advances and regulatory requirements”.
Eight action fields, one common goal
The ESG strategy is structured along the sustainability pillars of Environmental, Social and Governance and divided into eight key action fields: Decarbonisation, Circular Economy, Biodiversity, Sustainable Supply Chain, Health & Safety as well as Equal Opportunities, Anti-Corruption and Compliance.
The strategy is founded on a comprehensive double materiality analysis, including assessments of risks, impacts and opportunities along the entire value chain. The result is 18 measurable targets and 55 specific measures that will be implemented by 2030.
Decarbonisation and resource conservation
In the “Environmental” area, decarbonisation represents the main action field: PORR has set itself the goal of reducing Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 43% and Scope 3 emissions by 25% by 2030. These targets are aligned with PORR’s commitment to the science-based climate targets of the international Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
Strauss explains: “We took a close look at the measures to see where we could pinpoint the greatest potential. For example, most Scope 1 emissions originate from the equipment and vehicle fleet. That’s why alternative fuels and electrification is one of seven levers aimed at reducing emissions. Other measures include replacing non-renewable electricity with green electricity and setting a product’s carbon footprint as a new award criterion in the procurement process”.
Expanding Social and Governance
In the area of “Social”, occupational health and safety are just as much of a priority as diversity and equality. PORR aims to increase the proportion of women across the Group and in management to 18%. This will be achieved with the aid of targeted recruiting measures, internal development programmes and structured diversity management.
In the area of “Governance”, PORR focuses on human rights, ethical behaviour and transparent corporate management. The proportion of employees who have completed anti-corruption training is set to rise from 88.7% to 95%, apprentices and industrial staff will receive specific training, while the “Construction Compliance Ambassadors” programme will continue to be rolled out across the Group.
Strauss: “With our ESG Strategy 2030, we’re creating a binding framework for action to deliver on our sustainability goals. It’s based on reliable data, has been developed with a high level of technical expertise from across the Group and is a key part of our strategic positioning on the market. We’re confident that ESG will remain a decisive competitive factor in the future”.
