ERG International Group originate, design and build, operate and maintain, and invest in, long term infrastructure operations to deliver sustainable and comprehensive projects and solutions in the energy, water, transport, and industrial building sectors.
Sustainability is key to the work that we do, and the way that we operate. For ERG International Group sustainability is not purely an environmental initiative or focus, but rather the banner under which our various disciplines and experts work together to achieve our carbon, environmental, and social objectives.
We hold the United Nations Sustainability Goals are our guiding principles, both in selecting the projects that we engage in, and in determining how we work in our varied locations around the world, and we work in compliance with the United Nations Global Compact Principles.
We recognise the increasing importance of addressing the risks and opportunities that arise from climate change and the focus to transition to a low-carbon economy. We are currently in the process of benchmarking and assessing our ESG performance and carbon footprint, with the goal to finalise our carbon reduction plans.
This railway line will decarbonise travel and help the Turkish government meet its COP26 climate commitment to reduce emissions by 21% by 2030. A key aim of the Project is to improve the efficiency and adequacy of the transport system in the region by addressing poor rail connectivity and lack of sustainable alternative transport modes. It will ease road traffic congestion and promote socio-economic development, whilst also supporting tourism in Izmir.
Potential direct and indirect green-house gas emissions of the Project and effects of climate change factors on the Project were also considered. A climate change risk assessment including consideration of physical risks and a quantification of Scope 1 and 2 emissions during construction and operation of the Project was undertaken. The assessment included identification of relevant climate change trends, their potential impacts and existing design and mitigation measures.
Estimated emissions were considered reasonable, whilst the Project will produce more than 25,000 tonnes of CO2e emissions per year, this will be limited to a three-and-a-half-year period of construction. Operation will see the Project shift to low-carbon public transport, which is anticipated to have a positive impact through avoided GHG emissions.
ERG International Group strives for positive outcomes in the projects that we are involved in, and we believe that an important component of this is the environmental and social sustainability of these activities. Accordingly, we work to the highest international and local standards, including IFC Performance Standards, Equator Principles, and OECD. We work closely with world-leading environmental firms both in the initial environmental and social impact assessment process for our projects, and in the ongoing monitoring and reporting of progress back to international lenders and other stakeholders.
