Sustainabilityat PORR
© Storl Media
Our vision is clear: To Build a Better World.
Intelligent growth with Green and Lean serves as our strategic compass. PORR’s Group strategy combines economic strength with environmental and social responsibility and firmly embeds sustainability as a core element of a future-proof construction industry.
Sustainability 2025at a glance
PORR’s strongest financial year to date also demonstrates that economic success and climate-conscious business go hand in hand. In the first year of implementing the Sustainability Strategy 2030, significant progress was achieved.
Our track record speaks for itself
Sustainable business practices are a key part of our social responsibility and, at the same time, the foundation of our success. We are building for the future and take into account all relevant economic, environmental and social aspects.
Decarbonisation
-22.5%
Reduction in direct emissions (Scope 1 & 2)
-12.9%
Emissions along the value chain (Scope 3)
Circularity
11.9%
Increase in the internal recycling rate
Equal opportunities and promotion of women
17.0%
Proportion of women at PORR
Occupational safety
-10.4%
Improvement in accident rate (LTIFR)
Governance
96.5%
Participation in compliance and anti-corruption training
Highlights for 2025
In addition, three key areas were the focus of further development in 2025.
© Markus Wache
Sustainable construction sitesustainability where it matters
In 2025, PORR became the first construction company in Austria to receive the ÖGNI basic certificate for sustainable construction sites in building construction and civil engineering. This establishes a new minimum standard for construction sites in Austria and systematically integrates sustainability criteria into project delivery. The certificate provides a consistent framework for environmental and resource protection, occupational safety and social responsibility, making sustainability measurable and verifiable in day-to-day site operations.
© PORR
Risk managementidentifying climate risks early and safeguarding enterprise value
During the reporting year, PORR established key foundations for further developing its sustainability risk management. A clear target framework was defined, outlining how climate-related and other sustainability risks will be addressed in the future. On this basis, PORR analysed available methods and tools for systematically capturing physical and transition climate risks and selected an appropriate tool for implementation. In addition, new regulatory requirements were reviewed and their potential impact on the business model, processes and risk management was assessed.
© PORR
Standard Service portfolioproject options beyond the standard
PORR continues to develop its service portfolio in a targeted manner to enable sustainable alternatives throughout the entire construction process. Clients can already choose lower-emission, resource-efficient and compliant solutions in the early phases of a project – from planning and material selection through to construction and deconstruction. PORR also has specialised expertise in the construction of pumped storage power plants, infrastructure for wind energy, as well as environmental engineering and recycling. These services support the implementation of sustainability-related requirements across a wide range of project contexts.
Sustainability at PORR
A short film shows how PORR is already putting sustainable construction into practice today – from decarbonisation and resource-efficient construction sites to innovative materials and technologies.
Sustainability strategy
PORR builds today for tomorrow. Derived from the Group strategy, the Sustainability Strategy 2030 is based on continuous stakeholder dialogue, the results of the double materiality analysis and current and future regulatory requirements.
International standards and initiatives such as the UN Global Compact, CDP, respACT, klimaaktiv and the Concrete Sustainability Council are integrated into its design. Through cross-functional collaboration and bundled internal expertise, PORR develops integrated solutions along the entire value chain and actively drives the sustainable transformation of the construction industry.
The sustainability strategy comprises 8 action fields with a total of 15 topics that define strategic priorities. At topic level, PORR has set 18 measurable targets to be achieved by 2030. To implement these targets, 55 measures have been established. These translate strategic requirements into operational activities, which are managed across the Group and regularly reviewed.
Our sustainability strategy is therefore more than a framework. It is our compass for forward-looking action and a key success factor for a resilient and competitive construction industry.
Status quo
The implementation of the Sustainability Strategy 2030 is already delivering measurable progress. A large proportion of the 55 measures are currently being implemented or have already been integrated into standard operations. This marks an important step in PORR’s sustainable transformation.
Environment
PORR takes responsibility and actively shapes the ecological transformation of the construction industry – through climate-conscious construction, responsible use of resources and clearly defined environmental targets across the entire value chain.
The environmental strategy is structured into three action fields with seven key topics: environmentally friendly construction, responsible use of resources and energy, and a holistic circular economy. These include sustainable construction sites, biodiversity protection, responsible water management, awareness building, decarbonisation, circularity and minimum standards in the supply chain.
Water is a critical and limited resource. Its responsible use is a clearly defined environmental target for PORR. The company implements targeted measures to reduce consumption, promote reuse and protect water resources throughout construction processes.
This includes increased use of grey water and the development of site-specific water management concepts, particularly at locations with high consumption or in water-stressed regions.
Change begins with knowledge. PORR promotes environmental awareness through targeted training, internal programmes and active knowledge transfer across all levels of the organisation.
Key topics include decarbonisation, sustainable construction, circular economy, biodiversity, water management and sustainable procurement. ESG capability building is an integral part of the sustainability strategy.
By systematically reducing greenhouse gas emissions and further developing climate-friendly construction processes, PORR makes a measurable contribution to climate protection.
The Group-wide Decarbonisation Plan 2030 and science-based targets under the Science Based Targets initiative form the strategic framework. Seven key levers, including alternative fuels, electrification, renewable energy, low-emission materials and transport, as well as waste reduction and circular economy, drive the transformation towards a low-emission construction industry.
Responsible resource use begins with waste prevention, continues with reuse and concludes with efficient recycling – as part of a circular construction economy.
PORR is transforming its value chain into a value cycle through innovation projects in circular economy, digital management of material and waste flows, and the expansion of recycling and resource efficiency.
Sustainability begins with procurement. PORR defines clear minimum standards for its supply chain and focuses on lower-emission and recyclable materials.
A high proportion of regional sourcing strengthens value creation in local markets, reduces emissions and ensures environmental and social standards among supply chain partners. The sustainability criteria catalogue for procurement and the Code of Conduct for business partners provide the framework for responsible purchasing processes.
PORR also continuously improves its data base along the supply chain and strengthens a shared understanding of sustainability through dialogue formats such as round tables.
Social
Construction is a people business, and people are the foundation of our success. PORR creates a working environment based on trust, participation and reliability.
A strong workplace culture begins with shared values. The five PORR principles – reliability, solidarity, appreciation, passion and pioneering spirit – shape how we work together and unite more than 21,000 employees from over 90 nations into a strong community.
The focus is on creating long-term prospects through attractive working conditions, active employee involvement, comprehensive occupational safety and health standards, lifelong learning and genuine equal opportunities – for all employees at PORR and across the entire value chain.
Satisfied employees are key to long-term success. PORR fosters a working environment built on mutual trust, flexibility and individual appreciation, supported by fair remuneration, modern benefits, flexible working time models and a strong feedback culture.
Regular employee surveys provide valuable insights into employee perspectives and form the basis for continuous improvement. In this way, needs are recognised, development is encouraged and long-term prospects are created.
The focus is on both physical and mental well-being, as well as diversity, inclusion and individual development opportunities. An attractive workplace is therefore more than just a place to work. It is an environment in which people can grow, develop and feel a sense of belonging.
Engagement thrives where people are actively involved. PORR promotes a sense of belonging and identification through a holistic cultural approach based on dialogue, trust and continuous development.
When employees are involved and valued, a strong sense of unity emerges. PORR strengthens this through transparent communication, participatory formats and a lived feedback culture, fostering long-term engagement and commitment to the company.
A safe working environment is non-negotiable. As a construction company, PORR carries a particular responsibility for protecting all workers – on construction sites, in offices and at all operational locations.
Safety is the highest priority. PORR focuses on prevention, early detection and clear standards. Certified management systems such as ISO 45001, safety walks, risk assessments, regular training and digital tools such as the Safety App+ help to identify risks early and reduce them effectively.
The clear objective is to prevent workplace accidents and continuously strengthen the safety culture.
Health is a key factor in performance and well-being. PORR adopts a holistic approach to health management, addressing both physical and mental health while actively reducing workplace-related strain.
Occupational health management is continuously enhanced, with a focus on prevention, ergonomics, mental health and targeted health programmes. Employee surveys, advisory services, exercise initiatives and preventive measures support employees holistically and contribute to a healthy working environment.
The world of work is evolving, and so are the requirements for skills, mindset and leadership. PORR responds to this change through targeted investment in employee development, strengthening quality, innovation and future readiness.
With initiatives such as the Leadership Academy and the planned Group-wide development framework, PORR creates opportunities for individual growth and new career paths, particularly in technical and strategic roles. This is complemented by structured talent management and digital learning formats within the PORR Academy.
A modern feedback and dialogue culture further supports personal development. Lifelong learning is firmly embedded in everyday practice, with the aim of unlocking internal potential and preparing the talents of tomorrow today.
Diversity strengthens performance. PORR is committed to an inclusive, fair and non-discriminatory working environment. The PORR principles provide the foundation for respectful and appreciative collaboration.
Through awareness training, an independent reporting channel, regular equal pay analyses and structured initiatives to promote women, PORR actively removes barriers and increases visibility for talent.
A particular focus is placed on supporting women in technical professions and leadership roles. The Women@PORR initiative offers mentoring, networking opportunities and targeted employer branding. External partnerships with STEM networks support the recruitment of young talent. Under the umbrella of We@PORR, these activities are brought together to create a working environment in which everyone can realise their full potential.
Governance
Responsible corporate governance builds trust and ensures stability. At PORR, it is an integral part of all business areas. Ethical conduct, consistent compliance and the protection of human rights form the foundation of sustainable governance.
Clear standards of conduct, defined responsibilities, an effective compliance system and targeted training ensure that legal and ethical requirements are consistently upheld – both within the organisation and across the entire value chain.
Integrity, transparency and legal compliance are essential for both economic and social responsibility, particularly in a highly regulated construction environment.
A Group-wide compliance management system, supported by comprehensive training programmes on anti-corruption, competition law and codes of conduct, strengthens awareness at all levels – from apprentices to senior management. Functions with higher risk exposure are addressed in a targeted manner.
Certified systems such as ISO 37001 and ISO 37301, as well as tools including whistleblowing systems, construction compliance ambassadors and internal audits, ensure systematic prevention, effective monitoring and continuous improvement.
The protection of human and labour rights is a fundamental requirement for responsible business conduct – both for PORR’s own employees and for all individuals working along the supply and value chain.
PORR is committed to internationally recognised standards and relies on a robust system of prevention and continuous improvement. Human rights audits, risk analyses, binding occupational safety requirements and Group-wide supplier assessments ensure fair working conditions, including for subcontractors, temporary workers and joint venture partners.
Digital tools, mandatory training and transparent, anonymous reporting channels strengthen implementation. Risks are identified at an early stage, addressed effectively and systematically reduced.
EU Taxonomy Regulation
In accordance with the EU Taxonomy Regulation, PORR discloses the share of taxonomy-eligible and taxonomy-aligned economic activities in relation to revenue, capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operating expenditure (OPEX).
