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gruppo ambiente

Environment

Hupac’s environmental responsibility

Hupac has always placed a strong emphasis on the development of environmentally friendly transport services and on the need of protecting the fragile Alpine environment.

A certified commitment
In 1997 Hupac was the first European intermodal operator to be certified according to the environment standard ISO 14001. Through this certification and by supporting the modal shift from road to rail, Hupac contributes substantially to a better quality of life of the communities in which it operates.

The environmental management system is the mandatory standard for ecologically friendly production processes and the moderate use of natural resources.

In October 2007, the Hupac Group’s environmental management system was re-certified for three years. Hupac thus proves that the requirements of the environment are recognised and fulfilled at a consistent level of quality.

Noise reduction of freight wagons
In railway traffic, noise abatement is an important environmental issue and a constantly closer target also thanks to the support provided by the Government of the Swiss Federation. Hupac has been systematically adapting its own wagons according to the directives on noise reduction and is heralding the development and implementation of “whisper brakes”. 77% of current wagon fleet owned by Hupac has been fitted with low-noise brakes made with synthetic materials. Unlike the old metal brakes made of grey cast iron, the so called K pad does not deform the running surface of the wheels which remains smooth thus making the train run up to 10 decibels quieter.

Wagons fitted for noise reduction
Number of own wagons

The Busto Arsizio-Gallarate and Singen environmental projects
In designing the extension of the Busto Arsizio-Gallarate terminal, which went into operation in 2005, specific environmental requirements have been taken into consideration, according to an agreement with Consorzio Parco Lombardo della Valle del Ticino, which is responsible for environmental issues in this area. Among the works carried out there are river embankment enhancements to manage the seasonal high tides of the Rile and Tenore rivers, a biotope irrigated by the rain waters collected in the terminal, construction of an underpass tunnel below the terminal in order to allow the safe transition of animals, reforestation and parkland restoration in areas outside the terminal itself. In addition, Hupac has committed itself for the coming years to maintaining the biotope, including monitoring the underpass for animals.

In 2007 the maintenance work on the biotope was carried out according to plan. The annual monitoring performed in August certifies the progress of renaturation.

The Singen terminal opened in 1996 also has a wetland. The drained rain water collected from the terminal site is channelled into a pond. The site is regularly maintained and forms a habitat for various animal species.