Birch forrest

Environmental policy

1. Introduction

1.1 Purpose

This Policy defines the strategic direction of VR with respect to the environment. It sets the level of environmental responsibility, supports long-term sustainability and provides the framework for setting and reviewing VR’s environmental targets.

1.2 Scope

This Policy applies to all operations of VR in all locations.

1.3 Commitment

Together towards a better world – this is our vision and the purpose of our operations. At VR, we are committed to enabling the shift towards sustainable mobility and minimizing the environmental impacts of our activities.

We acknowledge our role in achieving national as well as international climate and sustainability goals. As sustainable modes of transport, public traffic and rail logistics are recognized as key enablers in the transition toward more sustainable travel and freight systems. We aim to strengthen our impact through continuous improvement and responsible decision-making. While tackling climate change, we are also committed to protecting biodiversity and ensuring the responsible use of natural resources.

VR is committed to:

  • Complying with all applicable environmental laws, regulations, including but not limited to Finnish, Swedish and EU regulations, and international agreements, guided by UN Sustainable Development Goals and OECD environmental principles.
  • Ensuring that VR entities outside jurisdictions of Finland and Sweden adhere to equivalent local legislation and international standards.
  • Achieving science-based near-term (2032) and long-term net-zero (2040) emission targets, as validated by SBTi.
  • Meeting the requirements of the ISO 14001 environmental management standard.
  • Integrating environmental considerations into strategic and operational decision-making at all levels, while acknowledging and responding to relevant customer expectations.

2. Focus of VR’s environmental work

  • Improving energy efficiency and increasing the share of fossil-free energy.
  • Reducing emissions in our operations and value chain, and investing in low-emission technologies.
  • Climate change adaptation by identifying and managing climate-related physical and transition risks.
  • Promoting circular economy and resource efficiency, with a strong focus on reducing dependency on virgin non-renewable resources and the waste hierarchy (avoiding waste, reusing, repairing, and refurbishing before recycling, recovering and finally disposing).
  • Evaluating, controlling and, where feasible, substituting hazardous chemicals, and implementing safer alternative processes to minimize risks to human health and the environment.
  • Applying appropriate due diligence to identify, prevent and manage adverse impacts on the environment and human health and well-being across our operations and value chain.

We recognize the importance of stakeholder collaboration and responsible sourcing. We work closely with our stakeholders to reduce environmental impacts, and we support our customers in reducing their carbon footprint. Our Procurement Policy defines the sustainability criteria in our procurement processes.

3. Responsibilities

Sustainability is a shared responsibility at VR. Our management is committed to environmental leadership, and we provide training to ensure all employees can act in an environmentally responsible way. Environmental targets are embedded in daily work, and continuous improvement is at the heart of our environmental management.

4. Policy Review

This Policy will be reviewed every year or as required to ensure alignment with evolving legal standards and best practices.

The City Traffic Sweden management team may update the Appendix regarding requirements related to City Traffic Sweden's business operations.