Material topics

GRI 3-1, 3-2

Process to determine material topics

The content of the report was defined in accordance with GRI 2021 using a methodology to assess the Company’s impact on economic, environmental, and social aspects. To that end, a list of 24 economic, 17 environmental, and 46 social aspects was put together. The final list of the most significant topics for the report was compiled based on a survey of a wide range of stakeholders (a sample of 101 respondents). The list to be assessed by stakeholders included aspects with the strongest impact. The final list of material topics was based on a ranking of how important the topics were for stakeholders.

Ranking of topics based on average score

Stakeholder priorities

List of material topics

The list of material topics included those that ranked highest in terms of importance for stakeholders. As a materiality criterion, the median average stakeholder score over 3.4 was chosen.

In line with stakeholders’ priorities, the following material topics were included in the report:

Topics shaping the Company’s information agenda
No. Topic Sum of average scores for two groups
1.7. Higher quality and responsible provision of services 3.7
3.13. Improved comfort of transport infrastructure for passengers 3.7
High-priority topics
No. Topic Sum of average scores for two groups
3.32. Development of infrastructure and social services across the footprint 3.6
3.28. Improved quality of employee social support programmes 3.6
3.23. Development of tourism programmes within Russia 3.6
3.6. Introduction of state-of-the-art emergency response measures and railway safety 3.6
3.2. Projects to improve labour conditions and enforcement of employee rights 3.6
Low-priority topics
No. Topic Sum of average scores for two groups
2.8. Projects to improve energy efficiency 3.5
3.30. Social projects for children, parents and young people 3.5
3.1. Enhancement of employee training and development programmes 3.5
2.11. Improvement of waste management approaches 3.5
2.17. Use of greener transport 3.5
1.13. Long-term projects to develop logistics/transport infrastructure 3.5
Topics non-material for stakeholders
No. Topic Sum of average scores for two groups
2.5. Projects to reduce pollutant emissions 3.4
2.12. Use of new materials and systems 3.4
1.21. Support for projects focused on accelerated economic development 3.4
1.20. Introduction of in-house technologies and Russian-made equipment amid sanctions (import substitution) 3.3
3.45. Creation of new waiting rooms for passengers with reduced mobility at railway stations 3.3
3.44. Ability to pay the ticket cost during the trip (when ticket was not purchased in advance) 3.3
1.24. Changes to logistics chains (creation of new East-bound routes) 3.3
3.4. Maintaining diversity and creating equal opportunities for self-development 3.3
1.15. Creating conditions to ensure stability of supply chains 3.3
3.21. Creation of a product portfolio for a healthy lifestyle 3.3
3.37. Changes to the Collective Bargaining Agreement (2023–2025) 3.1
3.38. Development of corporate volunteering programmes 3.1
2.4. Projects to reduce GHG emissions 3.1
1.16. Introduction of Russian-made software 3
2.2.1. Control over Scope 1 CO2 emissions 3
3.46. Introduction of new Operation Management Rules 3
3.40. Expanded use of long-haul trains with quick service restaurants 2.9
1.8. Introduction of control over compliance with Russian Railways’ Code of Business Ethics 2.9
2.2.2. Control over Scope 2 CO2 emissions 2.9
1.23. Operations of the new RZD Market electronic marketplace 2.7