In 2023, several initiatives were launched in the VINCI Concessions network to offset residual emissions:
In 2023, VINCI Airports continued to invest in reforestation programmes recognised by the French certification standard, Label Bas Carbone (see paragraph 3.2.2.1, “Actions to reduce indirect emissions”, page 239).
In February 2022, VINCI Autoroutes signed a partnership agreement with the ONF to implement a vast rehabilitation programme covering almost 500 hectares of land on and around motorways. Over the course of 2023, 34 additional sites underwent ecological studies, and two sites were rehabilitated.
Sogea-Satom (VINCI Construction) has planted 50,000 mangrove seedlings in Benin in degraded mangrove areas, 2,000 mangrove seedlings in Togo, and 17,000 seedlings of various species in Madagascar, the latter as part of the country’s Support Programme for Balanced City Development (Padeve). VINCI Energies is working on projects to restore forest and ocean environments.
Biodiversity preservation and ecological engineering
Environmental engineering has developed into a branch of engineering in its own right and can be applied to preserve natural environments based on the “avoid, reduce, compensate” approach, which has been implemented on a number of Group projects. VINCI Construction has extensive expertise in ecological engineering, which it applies to highly specialised projects to guarantee long term efficiency. Océlian and Sethy (Networks France Division) each have a Kalisterre certified business unit. This certification is awarded to ecological engineering companies that uphold high standards for technical criteria and human values at their worksites. Under the Equo Vivo brand, VINCI Construction carries out all types of ecological engineering work dedicated to restoring biodiversity and implementing ecological development projects. These projects meet three main objectives: maintaining and restoring ecological connectivity, hydromorphic restoration and site rehabilitation. This know how comes from a deep understanding of earthworks, levelling operations, river hydraulics, plant based engineering and the management of plant species (including the control of invasive non native plant species). Several projects were carried out in 2023, ranging from the restoration of river banks, levelling of weirs, reconfiguration of stream and river channels, and rehabilitation of streams, rivers, wetlands and damaged natural environments, to the implementation of offsets or construction of fishways, wildlife crossings and green corridors. In New Zealand, HEB Construction is working to develop its expertise in ecological engineering measures by recreating habitats, implementing actions to combat the development of invasive non native species, and carrying out transplantation operations as well as the ecological monitoring of wildlife. As part of these efforts, the company has created a team of expert ecologists.
Developing nature in the city
Furthermore, from the design phase, VINCI Construction works to reintegrate the important role of nature into cities and buildings, for example with the renovation of Place Gambetta in Bergerac, in south-west France. Located in the town centre, this square was completely redeveloped by the local Eurovia (VINCI Construction) branch in 2023. As the city’s main goal was to create urban cool islands and unseal the soil, the branch proposed using the Revilo® solution. The works programme increased the surface of green space in the square from 450 sq. metres to 3,000 sq. metres. The plane trees in the former square were moved using a tree spade, which dug into the ground to lift the trees, including their roots and soil, so that they could be replanted a few metres away. Landscaped ditches were also formed to collect rainwater from the car park and direct it towards the trees and other planted species. Lastly, a 1,200 sq. metre urban cool island was created in front of the preschool and near the carousel for children. The Hydrovia® product was used on the parking spaces and service roads to allow rainwater to filter through and contribute to soil unsealing.
VINCI Construction also operates at the level of entire eco-districts. On these projects, customers increasingly aim to obtain the BiodiverCity® label (see paragraph 3.1.3.2, “Environmental labels”, page 229). Urbalia is a VINCI Construction consultancy that supports the development of nature and biodiversity in cities. Urbalia’s experts help to rethink the design and construction of the city of tomorrow and guide urban planners and construction companies in integrating biodiversity into their projects and responding to current urban issues.
