Solaris awarded two grand prizes for achievements in sustainable development

Solaris' efforts in sustainable development has been acknowledged by leading ESG experts from academia and business in Poland. On Wednesday, November 20, representatives of Solaris received the grand prizes in two independent competitions. The manufacturer was awarded the Diamond Planet in the "Together for the Planet" program in the "Net-Zero Promoter" category and the Platinum Award in the "ESG Innovator" competition in the "E” (Environment) category.

This week a ceremonial gala was held to mark the conclusion of the second edition of the "Together for the Planet" program. This year, Solaris received the Diamond Planet award in the Net-Zero Promoter category. The award-winning submission highlighted the company’s sustainable management model, and the effective implementation of practices aimed at achieving carbon neutrality by 2045, which have enhanced the manufacturer’s low- and zero-emission vehicle portfolio. The jury particularly acknowledged that 90% of the electricity the company uses comes from renewable sources, and that the company has reduced its carbon footprint in Scope 1 and 2 by 64% compared to the baseline year of 2019. Additionally, in 2023, 82% of the vehicles delivered by Solaris were equipped with low- and zero-emission drives. Sustainability has also been fully integrated into the company’s overall business strategy.

The "Together for the Planet" program, organized by BASF Poland, aims to promote initiatives and projects focused on sustainable development, while also highlighting best practices in climate protection.

In the "ESG Innovator" competition, organized by the Polish ESG Association, Solaris won the Platinum Award in the "E” (Environment) category for the development of the Solaris Urbino 18 hydrogen, an 18-meter articulated hydrogen bus. This innovative vehicle responds to the increasing demand in European cities for zero-emission transportation solutions, contributing to the decarbonization of the transport sector and improving both air quality and the quality of life for urban residents.

The "ESG Innovator" competition welcomes participation from all companies and organizations committed to sustainability. Submissions are evaluated by an independent jury comprising esteemed experts in environmental protection, economics, science, business, and law.

Since 2020, Solaris has been publishing the results of its sustainability efforts in annual reports. In June of this year, Solaris released its fourth report, which presents actions aimed at saving resources used both during production and by the vehicles during their operation – when their environmental impact is greatest. In 2022, based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) calculations, Solaris received Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) for two buses: Solaris Urbino 18 electric and Solaris Urbino 12 hybrid.

For Solaris, product innovations and development of clean and energy-efficient drivetrains are key pillars of its international success.

Photos 1 and 2: "Together for the Planet" competition gala.

In the first photo, from the left: Joanna Pańczak, ESG Specialist, Solaris Bus & Coach, Weronika Krzywicka-Styzińska, ESG Manager, Solaris Bus & Coach.

Photo 3: Representatives of Solaris Bus & Coach with the Platinum "ESG Innovator" Award.