ADIF launches the Green Plan

07-23-2009 13:28

In conformity with its commitments for sustainable development, the Spanish rail infrastructure manager, ADIF, has recently elaborated a Green Plan for 2009-2014, whose objective is to improve the environmental efficiency of its activity and contribute to improving the natural environment and biodiversity.

The Green Plan, framed in the context of its policy of Corporate Social Responsibility, supposes an initial investment of over EUR 30 Million. The plan will be developed in six strategic directions: 1) the fight against climate change and the efficient use of resources, 2) the consolidation of sustainable development criteria in the execution of infrastructure works, 3) reducing sound pollution, 4) reducing waste, 5) employee, entrepreneur and supplier awareness, 6) increase transparency and the collaboration with the civil society.
Another project is the Director Plan for Energy Saving and Efficiency, which is meant to turn ADIF into an example of energy efficiency in the railway sector, at national level. The Green Plan also establishes other necessary projects, such as the Director Plan for Water Saving, the one for rolling stock renewal with more efficient vehicles that use at least 20% bio-fuels - "Green Fleet", and a programme for noise reduction. Another project is "Sustainable Station 360º", which will guarantee the development, maintenance and operation of passenger stations. The company will also initiate a project for waste reduction - "Dangerous waste 0" and soil decontamination, a programme for reafforestation - "Planting the future", another one for sustainable acquisitions - "Buy green", as well as a programme for promoting eco tourism - "Green Station". ADIF will also improve the measures for fire prevention on the routes crossing through forests and for damage repair in case of fires. The company plans to improve the filtering centres in order to reduce waste by 75% by 2010, CO2 emissions by 10%, company water consumption by 10% and entrepreneur water consumption by 5%.
In order to fulfil these objectives, ADIF will cooperate with transport operators, establish protocols for the execution of infrastructure works, develop volunteer and public awareness programmes through guided visits and programmes for participation and organisation of various meetings with the interested institutions and social groups.
ADIF Green Plan represents one step forward towards the transformation of the company into a reference organisation in terms of environment responsibility. According to Pedro Pérez del Campo, Environment Director ADIF, their programmes and objectives "surpass the provisions of the present legislation".

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