Environmental Management according to ISO 14001

At the beginning of December, ZSSK CARGO obtained a certificate confirming the implementation and maintenance of an environmental management system for rail freight transport, meeting the requirements of the STN EN ISO 14001:2016 standard.

A system that protects the environment and strengthens business
ISO 14001 is more than just a set of rules. It is an internationally recognised framework for managing the company’s environmental impacts, ensuring legal compliance, and achieving environmental objectives. This system is essential for ZSSK CARGO because:
• it identifies environmental impacts: it maps and evaluates the company’s environmental aspects, such as fuel and energy consumption, waste management, operational emissions, and potential emergency risks;
• it requires continual improvement: it sets objectives and measures to prevent emergencies and ensures the constant improvement of environmental performance, rather than merely maintaining the status quo.

The green path in automotive
The Environmental Management System (EMS) at ZSSK CARGO has been implemented for the ‘Environmental Protection in Rail Freight Transport’ product and is an integral part of our Integrated Management System (IMS).
The pilot certification strategically focused on facilities crucial to the automotive segment, namely the ones in Devínska Nová Ves and Košice. The reason is straightforward: key customers already require proof of preparation or active ISO 14001 certification in their tenders. Obtaining the certificate is thus directly linked to business success. To ensure the fulfilment of these commitments, responsibilities have been clearly defined, led by the Product Sponsor and the Product Manager along with the Environmental Team.

Benefits of certification and future objectives
The benefits of the system are clear. On one hand, it represents a competitive advantage, as the certificate is essential in public procurement and tenders. Furthermore, it leads to financial savings, as focusing on the monitoring of energy, water, and fuel consumption results in more efficient resource management. Equally important is the enhancement of our reputation and EU support. The certificate increases credibility and strengthens our position within ESG ratings and in projects supported by the EU, such as the CEF (Connecting Europe Facility) and the Green Deal.
In 2026, ZSSK CARGO plans to expand the certification to other key facilities: Žilina-Teplička, Lužianky, and Trnava. Furthermore, the company will strengthen its employee training system to steadily build a culture of environmental responsibility and fulfil ISO 14001 requirements in daily practice.