Responsibility
Biodiversity and ecosystems
Stability and resilience of the natural environment
Construction activities and the operation of BLS infrastructure in particular can have a negative impact on the natural environment. For this reason, BLS implements various measures to protect and promote biodiversity, thus ensuring the long-term resilience of its operating environment.
Biodiversity
BLS is implementing various measures:
- Construction projects at BLS are supported by environmental specialists. During the construction of the new Rosshäusern tunnel, for example, a stream in the immediate vicinity was renaturalised to create a habitat for animals.
- BLS also wants to connect and improve the habitats of large and small animals with wildlife corridors and passages. To reduce the barrier effect of railway lines, BLS is therefore removing dilapidated or no longer used fences.
- To reduce the risk of electrocution for birds, especially those with large wingspans, BLS is refurbishing its catenary masts and dispensing with certain particularly high-risk types of insulators.
- In addition, the use of pesticides is to be reduced as much as possible. BLS employees carry out chemical vegetation control and only spray selectively and where absolutely necessary. Together with other Swiss infrastructure operators, BLS is involved in the FOT's "Glyphosate Alternatives" research project.
Finally, BLS maintenance staff consistently and successfully combat invasive neophytes in order to preserve biodiversity. - BLS promotes employees' awareness of their responsibility towards nature by organising environmental days for this purpose together with the internal forestry team. Employees from outside the company can also get involved and make a direct contribution to environmental protection.
- Finally, BLS maintenance staff consistently and successfully combat invasive neophytes in order to preserve biodiversity.
