Opportunities for ESG reporting in railway electric power supply enterprises based on annual reports

Abstract

PURPOSE: The aim of this paper is to analyse the implementation status of ESG reporting in railway electric power companies in Poland.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The study employed a qualitative approach based on content analysis and comparative analysis of reporting documents from four railway electric power supply enterpris in Poland.

FINDINGS: The findings indicate a notable inconsistency in the level and structure of ESG reporting among the analysed companies operating in the railway electric power and transport sectors. Only one of the four companies, PKP CARGO S.A., has published a standalone ESG report for 2023. PGE Energetyka Kolejowa provided ESG-related content within the integrated report of the PGE Group, which limits the granularity of sector-specific insights. PKP PLK S.A. and PKP Intercity S.A. have not yet produced independent ESG disclosures.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The findings of this study have significant practical relevance for railway electric power companies that will be required to comply with the CSRD directive as well as GRI and ESRS standards. The study can support ESG reporting teams in structuring their reports and identifying information gaps. Moreover, the conclusions drawn from the analysis provide a foundation for implementing procedures for monitoring and collecting non-financial data in the environmental, social, and governance areas.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The study focuses on a narrowly defined yet strategically important sector鈥攔ailway electric power supply鈥攚hich has so far been only marginally represented in the ESG literature.