E2 – Pollution

Policies related to pollution described on pages 77-79. GN's approach to pollution prevention is integrated into product design and manufacturing processes. The company focuses on reducing negative environmental impacts from its activities through sustainable design principles and responsible manufacturing practices.

RSG's policies related to pollution focus on reducing emissions from aircraft, fossil-fuel-powered ground activities and road transport to and from airports to limit air pollution. The company's ambition is to reduce emissions at airport sites and in neighbouring communities as much as possible. Policies address various air pollutants including NOx, ultrafine particles (UFPs), carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). RSG operates airports in strict alignment with national and regional regulations and prioritises proactive engagement with local communities. The company collaborates with partners to develop and implement innovative solutions to minimise environmental impact. Soil pollution policies focus on managing contamination from historical activities and preventing new pollution incidents through prudent handling of fuels and hazardous materials according to permits and regulations.

Actions related to pollution described on pages 77-79. GN implements actions to prevent pollution through: Product design considerations to minimize environmental impact; Manufacturing process optimization; Responsible sourcing practices; Compliance with environmental regulations across all operations.

RSG has implemented numerous actions and allocated resources to address pollution. In 2024, the company introduced 56 additional preconditioned air units (PCAs) on airside, replacing auxiliary power units in aircraft and reducing emissions and pollutants harmful to human health. Together with Air Traffic Control (LVNL), airlines and ground handlers, RSG works on updated arrival and departure procedures to reduce emissions by having departing aircraft start engines as far from gates as possible. The company investigates scenarios like efficient taxiing and single-engine operation. For soil pollution, RSG applied for permits in 2024 to install a soil remediation facility, with construction hoped to begin in late 2025 pending permit approval. Contaminated soil (203,274 tonnes in 2024) is stored on-site in accordance with Dutch legislation. Since 2020, fire-fighting foam with PFAS substances is no longer used. RSG has initiated modified departure procedures at gates with high UFP concentrations and conducted studies on water droplet use for UFP removal.

To reduce pollution risk, Hydro has set a 50 percent reduction target for material non-GHG emissions, from a 2017 baseline, and a fluoride performance target of 0.35 kg F / tonne aluminium for its fully owned smelters, by 2030.

RSG has established targets to reduce various forms of pollution. The company aims to minimise exposure of own and third-party employees to harmful pollutants to create safe and healthy working environments. Specific targets include reducing aircraft engine use within the Green Zone by end of 2027, as required by the Dutch Labour Inspection (NLA). The company targets continued reduction of air quality emissions through fleet electrification and sustainable fuel adoption. For soil pollution, RSG aims to construct and operate a soil remediation facility to address contaminated soil storage. The company also targets improvement in air quality through partnership collaboration and procedural changes. These pollution reduction targets align with broader sustainability goals and regulatory compliance requirements, contributing to improved working conditions and community well-being.

Hydro targets 50 percent reduction in material non-GHG emissions by 2030, including sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxide (NOX), and particulate matter (PM). In 2024, total emissions of SO2, NOX and particulate matter were 57 percent, 67 percent, and 37 percent lower, respectively, compared to the 2017 baseline, meeting several of Hydro's emissions targets for 2025. A key driver for this improvement has been the replacement of heavy fuel oil with natural gas at the Alunorte alumina refinery.

RSG monitors and reports on pollution of air, water and soil across its operations. Air pollution includes aviation-related emissions of NOx, UFPs, CO, PM10, PM2.5 and PAHs. Due to higher traffic levels in 2024, air quality emission levels were higher compared to 2023. The company operates airside electric vehicle fleets and has transitioned ground operations to HVO100 renewable fuel to reduce emissions. Water and soil impacts are managed through strict adherence to permits and regulations. Historical soil contamination exists from past activities including use of PFAS-containing fire-fighting foam (discontinued since 2020). Contaminated soil storage totaled 203,274 tonnes in 2024, approximately equal to 2023 levels. RSG does not intentionally cause soil pollution but acknowledges potential impacts from fuel use and handling activities. When incidents occur, the company acts prudently within permit requirements to limit environmental impact.

RSG manages substances of concern including PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) from historical fire-fighting foam use. Since 2020, Schiphol Group no longer uses fluids that emit PFAS. The company handles various substances in airport operations including aviation fuels, cleaning chemicals, and maintenance materials. All substance handling follows strict regulatory requirements and permit conditions. RSG collaborates with partners to minimise use of harmful substances where possible, including transition to electric vehicles and sustainable fuels. The company maintains awareness of emerging substance regulations and proactively adapts operations to address new restrictions on substances of concern.

RSG recognises potential financial effects from pollution-related impacts, risks and opportunities. The company faces regulatory compliance costs and potential penalties for pollution incidents. Investment requirements include the planned soil remediation facility and ongoing fleet electrification to reduce emissions. The transition to cleaner technologies requires significant capital expenditure but provides long-term operational benefits and regulatory compliance. Pollution-related risks include potential operational restrictions, community opposition, and regulatory enforcement actions that could impact airport operations and financial performance. Opportunities include competitive advantages from environmental leadership, improved stakeholder relationships, and potential cost savings from cleaner technologies. The 6 billion euro investment programme includes pollution reduction measures that address both compliance requirements and stakeholder expectations.