In addition to assessing and mitigating the climate impact of its activities, VINCI analyses the opportunities that climate change brings to its activities. Technological and market evolutions are enabling VINCI to deliver new environmental solutions to its customers. VINCI’s research and development efforts are focused on creating low-carbon and energy-efficient products and services.
A scenario analysis has confirmed VINCI’s belief that urgent action is needed and that profound changes are in store for its businesses. These major transformations are a source of risks as well as opportunities. The long-term prospects of VINCI’s activities and its continued market leadership will depend on its ability to recognise and anticipate these risks and opportunities. Group entities are taking major steps to meet this challenge.
a. Assessing the situation of subsidiaries and subcontractors
Multiple environmental assessment processes are in place in the Group to fulfil regulatory requirements, meet stakeholder expectations and comply with internal company policies. Risk identification and analysis is the very first principle laid out in the environmental guidelines that were signed by Xavier Huillard, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of VINCI, and Roberto Migliardi, Secretary of the VINCI’s European Works Council, on 6 November 2020.
Implementing an effective, ISO 14001-certified environmental management system is the most common environmental assessment process undertaken by Group entities. Environmental management systems guarantee a robust level of risk prevention and management with annual external audits. The percentage of the Group’s activity covered by ISO 14001 certification is calculated in relation to revenue or another relevant indicator, depending on the business line (see paragraph 3.1.1.2, “Turning risk management into opportunity”, page 205).
ISO 14001 certifications at VINCI in 2021
The activity of the Group and its subcontractors is also regularly reviewed by other external bodies:
VINCI’s business activities also undergo internal controls on a regular basis. Group companies measure the environmental footprint of their projects and activities and report on the internal and external resources implemented to protect the environment. Regardless of whether these activities are performed by VINCI or its subcontractors, regular inspections are carried out by the environmental correspondents.
At Group level, environmental issues are a core part of VINCI’s risk assessment criteria, which were reinforced in 2020 and 2021 (see paragraph 3.4.3, “Procedures related to commitments and the VINCI Risk Committee”, in chapter D, “Risk factors and management procedures”, page 169).
When certain worksites present a high risk of environmental impact, in particular with regard to local biodiversity, environmental managers partner with ecologists (specialised design offices, research institutions or non-profit organisations) to increase monitoring. VINCI Construction Terrassement has rolled out an initiative called Actons la Bionécessité which provides for an initial environmental assessment of every site before work begins and the monitoring of all impact management action taken.
