ÖBB and its ecological initiative in protecting wet areas and nature reserves. Are these the greenest railways in the world?

ÖBB isn’t just a national railway system of Austria, but it is also one of the largest climate protection companies in Austria. Can their use of green energy be inspirational? ÖBB relies on green energy for 100% of their traction current, uses it to supply all buildings, facilities, terminals, and uses ecological measures in construction projects. Water areas are not only great recreation places for humans but mainly important habitats for many animal species. UNESCO agrees with this sentiment and has declared February 2nd as a protection day for these water-rich ecosystems.

ÖBB has tracks in almost all culture landscapes in Austria. The lowest point is in Purbach am Neusiedlersee at 128 m above sea level, the highest point being the Brenner Pass at 1,370 m above sea level. Those passengers who have seen Austria from a window of a train know that there is a lot of bodies of water and wetlands around the railway lines. Such as Danube floodplains or other Natura 2000 areas that are protected by European Union.

Protection of these areas is important therefore the construction projects always use ecological techniques to ensure habitat survival. Even a railway ditch can be an important habitat for numerous amphibian species if it carries water. Ditches are used at the embankments to drain rainwater from the railway bed and the humus filter makes sure that there is no contamination of the ground and surface water. Further protection is ensured by retention basins along the railway routes. They serve to protect the water quality and as flood protection.

As an example of its ecological activities, ÖBB points at Tullnerfeld. Due to intensive farming, there was not enough room for nature. That changed with the construction of the western line and the associated ecological compensation areas. Since then, Tullnerfeld has seen new habitats for insects and new hiding and nesting sites.