Water quality
On sites (motorways, airports, quarries, etc.), retention ponds are created to allow suspended solids in run-off and pumped water to settle, and to limit the potential impact of any accidental pollution. For example, on VINCI motorways in France, 100% of salt piles are covered and 90% of motorways in service have been equipped with either natural water protection systems or engineering structures that address potential problems to prevent accidental pollution in the surrounding natural environment. Oil-water separators are installed at all airports managed by VINCI Airports (an additional 24 were implemented at Belgrade airport in Serbia in 2023, and eight piezometers were installed in areas with a risk of hydrocarbon contamination to ensure effective separation and monitor water quality).
At worksites, a range of systems can be deployed depending on needs (impermeable loading areas, anti-pollution kits in machinery, antipollution pads, temporary retention ponds, etc.). Large earthworks sites employ new techniques to limit the release of suspended solids into the natural environment. As an example, on VINCI Construction’s Coastal GasLink project, to meet the requirements of British Columbia’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, buffer zones were created along sensitive waterways and sediment-laden run-off was captured and treated. More than 700 employees monitor the conditions and installation of erosion and sediment control (ESC) measures required for the project.
Air quality
For construction companies, this issue covers several aspects and requires a range of appropriate measures.
To reduce the amount of dust produced, earthworks sites and quarries hose down operation areas whenever needed. Additionally, during the earthworks phase, operators first make sure that weather conditions are suitable before beginning soil stabilisation work. In some cases, special equipment (gauges, etc.) is installed to measure dust levels. At worksites in cities, tarps can surround the operations area to reduce the amount of dust in the air. Connected monitoring tools used to monitor the consumption of site machines helps reduce their emissions (see paragraph 3.2.1, “Reducing the Group’s direct emissions (Scopes 1 and 2)”, page 233).
In the building sector, VINCI Construction’s teams continue to develop the IAQ Ready programme, an indoor air quality management plan for all buildings and every project phase. This approach is used to control impacts during the construction process and provides a global approach during the work performance phase to raise awareness about good practices, equip the site, check systems and materials, and monitor air quality to anticipate customer requirements.
For the VINCI Concessions companies operating airports and motorway infrastructure, most air emissions are generated by users of internal combustion engines in aircraft, cars, trucks, etc. The entities concerned take several measures to reduce these emissions (see paragraph 3.2.1.2, “Monitoring performance”, page 235). VINCI Airports measures air quality at the London Gatwick, Nantes Atlantique, Lyon-Saint Exupéry, Lisbon, Porto and Funchal airports.
Noise pollution and vibrations
businesses can be responsible for noise pollution and vibrations caused by traffic on the infrastructure in operation, works carried out by companies and quarry operations. VINCI projects are subject to a preliminary noise study to limit the pollution generated by urban worksites, motorway traffic and so forth. Based on findings, technical solutions can be offered for the construction and operating phases, including adaptations to a motorway route, erecting noise barriers and embankments, etc.
In the Group’s construction activities, entities employ different techniques to reduce noise from worksites. Measurements to determine the impact of vibrations and noise from VINCI Construction facilities (fixed sites and worksites) are carried out on a regular basis and monitored. For example, classified facilities for the protection of the environment (ICPE) and major worksites monitor their noise levels and report them to their stakeholders. Worksites using exclusively electric power can also be implemented, such as VINCI Construction’s public works projects in Chevilly-Larue and Blagnac.
In the Concessions business, noise levels on motorways in France are monitored regularly for their noise footprint to enable VINCI’s motorway concession companies to identify and absorb noise black spots. Homes and other buildings that qualify are protected individually using noise insulation in their facades, or are protected at the noise source by noise barriers or embankments planted with shrubs or trees. As part of the project to widen the A10 motorway to a three-lane dual carriageway between Veigné and Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine (west-central France), VINCI Autoroutes has laid new asphalt mix along the 24 km of the site. Its noise-reducing properties help to reduce traffic noise. This is one of three acoustic measures, along with 3,595 metres of noise barriers and noise insulation facades, being deployed to preserve the quality of life of local residents. For its part, VINCI Airports takes measures to reduce noise pollution as much as possible for local residents at all of its airports in operation. These measures include a system that continuously monitors noise (for London Gatwick, Nantes Atlantique, Lyon-Saint Exupéry, Lisbon, Porto and Belgrade) and flight paths – with results posted online, noise insulation for nearby housing, and studies and action plans to reduce noise. A system to adjust landing fees based on the aircraft’s noise level has been implemented at the ANA airports (Portugal).
Light pollution
The light required for the operations and safety of some Group activities can be a source of light pollution. To limit this light pollution, opaque screens can be installed along motorways and adapted lighting systems (light directed only at points that need to be lit for user and employee safety) set up at worksites and concessions in operation, when conditions allow.
