Environmental

We are committed to protecting the environment and engage in research and development. Our climate strategy aims to contribute to stemming the negative consequences of climate change. Current environmental concerns are taken into consideration when making any decision. Whether it’s an increasing scarcity of resources or threats to biodiversity: We develop solutions, implement countermeasures and embrace responsibility.

The European Union should achieve climate neutrality by 2050 – that’s the goal of the “European Green Deal”. In line with the UN climate conference in Paris and the Sustainable Development Goals, this action plan aims to provide further impetus for efficient energy use. Future-proof construction standards, alternative energy, and sustainable equipment and fleet management are all in demand in the construction industry. Furthermore, at PORR we rely on advanced certification systems, implementing the energy efficiency guidelines and conducting regular energy audits. Since 2020, the energy management system in Austria has been certified according to ISO 50001 and in 2022 the certification framework was rolled out to Germany and Switzerland. The aim is to implement sustainable energy management for all of PORR’s home markets by 2025.

We are determined to consistently increase the share of electricity from renewable energy sources. The clear goal is to purchase 100% renewable green electricity. For this reason, PORR already purchases around 55% green electricity from hydropower, wind power, solar energy, biomass and similar energy sources across the Group. We have also been very successful with the use of PV modules. These are used at PORR sites, but also on construction sites.

By bundling all equipment and vehicles, the Group-wide standardization reduces the variety of makes and types and subsequently lead to a reduction in airborne emissions. Measures to reduce the energy consumption of on and off-road equipment include:

• Regularly updating the vehicle matrix (on-road equipment) including shortening the period in use.
• When acquiring new off-road equipment, only buying that which conforms to the best available emissions standards on the market.
• Continuation of the “automatic-stop function for construction equipment” project and purchase of additional electric cars and construction equipment with electric drives, as well as hybrid construction vehicles.
• Reducing business trips and focusing on train travel.

One important aspect in enhancing efficiency is construction site logistics. Digital solutions allow us to manage the construction process with greater precision. In the field of road construction, these tools have already been rolled out successfully in Austria and Germany. They are under development for tunnelling, building construction, earthworks and structural engineering.

Regional procurement to reduce CO2 emissions is a priority, but it depends on the local availability of raw materials and supplies and can vary depending on the project or location. Local procurement must not fall outside the area of the main business location and a maximum distance of +/- 150 km in any direction. PORR has already achieved a great deal in this area: Looking at Group-wide purchasing, the proportion of local suppliers is around 80%.

For environmental and climate protection, not only a sustainable and thus future-proof construction method is of great importance, the completed building must also have the lowest possible CO2 footprint in the various life cycles. Possible environmental impacts after completion must therefore also be taken into account during planning. Not only internally, but also from our suppliers, we demand sustainable action and promote sustainable building standards. The focus here is on the following aspects:

• Carbon management & life cycle assessments
• Circularity of buildings
• Use of renewable energy
• Realising concepts that are in line with demographic shifts
• Use of digital building data models 
• Green building certification
• EU taxonomy audits

One proven method of achieving sustainability targets is building certification. 

• DGNB Platin & LEED Platin for Quartier Belvedere Central in Vienna
  For the construction of this urban and central business hub, PORR has received the highest awards from both, the DGNB (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen) and in line with the design certificate "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design" (LEED).
• Photovoltaics and intensive greening as focal points when revitalising PORR sites
  The PORR headquarters for Carinthia and East Tyrol in Klagenfurt meet the highest energy efficiency standards as a "plus energy building". Sustainability experts were involved right from the concept phase.
• DGNB Platinum Certificate for Frankfurter Allee in Berlin 
  This new residential and office district with six buildings received the DGNB Platinum Certificate in February 2022.
• DGNB Gold Certificate for PORR subsidiary Vorarlberg
  The PORR subsidiary Vorarlberg is characterised by a clear, flexibly designable office structure. The flat roof is designed as an extensive green roof with photovoltaic panels. The building form and equipment were optimized during planning from a building physics and daylight point of view in order to offer employees a high level of comfort and cosiness.

PORR is the right partner for every phase of a building’s life. After all, with Design & Engineering, we are by your side every step of the way – from design and planning to implementation. More Info you can find at Design & Engineering at PORR.

Make it, use it, bin it – that is a concept consigned to the past. The future belongs to the circular economy. As part of the solution, PORR uses (raw) materials several times over, thereby conserving valuable resources.

Biodiversity is essential for the health and wellbeing of the population and the generations to come. That said, the direct impact a construction company can have is somewhat limited. After all, sustainable building starts even before the project development stage – with the urban planning and zoning. The PORR sites are located in commercial areas rather than in zones with high biodiversity. As a sustainable construction company, our mission is to maximise the use and value of the space.

PORR helps to promote biodiversity by greening flat roofs, building causeways and recultivating landfills. This happens on the one hand when substrate is produced from secondary raw materials like excavated soil and recycled construction materials. On the other hand, the buildings themselves are fitted with these improvements. What’s more, we take care to ensure planting that is appropriate to the respective site and compatible with the native flora. This not only encourages biodiversity (insects, birds and wild animals), but also makes the habitats more attractive for every user.

If the bee disappeared off the face of the Earth, man would only have four years left to live” – a famous quote often attributed to Albert Einstein. Bee populations are drastically declining in ever more parts of the world. With the initiative “bee@PORR”, we are taking key steps to prevent bees dying out. Under the motto “Bee aware and care”, we support beekeepers by providing space for their colonies, purchasing beehives and bee colonies.

A priority for us is the holistic aspect of the initiative. That is why we prefer beehives made of untreated wood rather than of Styrofoam. Some of the hives for Austria have been ordered from an organization called “Green Circle”, which rehabilitates and integrates recovering addicts.

Damit das Wissen rund um Bienen und ihre Bedeutung an Kinder und Erwachsene weitergegeben wird, wurde der PORR Bienenlehrpfad im Monte Laa Park neben dem Hauptquartier in Wien errichtet. Dieser kann auch hier als Download nachgelesen werden. Die PORR Arbeiterbiene „Sabiene“ erklärt die wichtigsten Fakten und begleitet durch die Schautafeln. Damit unterstützen wir das nachhaltige Fortbestehen der Bienen und machen auf ihre wichtige Rolle für das gesamte Ökosystem aufmerksam.

We promote the efficient use of water both in construction and in the end use of construction projects. Water-saving practices and inputs are realised through the continuous optimisation of technologies and processes. In order to reduce or avoid the use of fresh water, service water is used as a substitute in many construction projects. Water recirculation systems offer opportunities for water-saving management at construction sites and operating sites. Regular inspection and maintenance of plumbing systems can lead to additional water savings. We have also installed rainwater basins at some of our sites.

The Water Policy forms an important basis for our work. The Water Officer evaluates the water consumption of the PORR Group together with the centre of excellence for resources. The areas with the highest specific water consumption are then addressed with the CR department, the Environmental Network and the R&D department to find solutions to reduce water usage and identify measures for recycling water. This includes, for example, measures to increase water efficiency during construction, water recycling systems, and units for soil and gravel washing.