VINCI Autoroutes also set up a procedure to manage pollution incidents on motorways or other sites, which is continuously improved based on feedback from incidents and emergency drills. Different players work together to implement the procedure:
Furthermore, business lines conduct awareness raising and training initiatives (see paragraph 3.1.3, “Employee training and awareness”, of the “Environmental performance” section, page 225). Short 15-minute briefings on environmental topics are held regularly at worksites to build awareness among employees and subcontractors alike. In 2023, 110,182 training hours were devoted to environmental issues (84,941 in 2022), an increase of 30% in one year.
Mitigating and adapting to climate change
Climate change is a reality: global temperatures have risen by more than 1°C compared with pre-industrial levels, leading to more frequent and more intense extreme weather events each year. According to the climate models published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in relation to the RCP 6.0 and RCP 8.5 scenarios, current production and consumption practices could see temperatures rise by around 3.5°C to 5°C by the end of this century, resulting in major and irreversible shifts that could affect all aspects of society. The IPCC’s Special Report on the impacts of global warming of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels details the consequences for people and the planet even if emissions are reduced considerably, while the first instalment of its Sixth Assessment Report presents the most compelling evidence to date that human activities are causing climate change.
In response, VINCI has committed to taking concrete action. When it adopted its new environmental ambition in 2020, VINCI further strengthened the Group’s targets, looking to align itself with the Paris Agreement. The Group therefore pledged to achieve a 40% reduction in its Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions from 2018 levels by 2030 (see paragraph 3.2, “Acting for the climate”, of the “Environmental performance” section, page 233) and a 20% reduction in its Scope 3 indirect emissions from 2019 levels by 2030. These commitments are based on the emissions categories defined in the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) and the Group’s targets have been validated as aligned with the well below 2°C scenario by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). In addition to these absolute emissions reduction targets, VINCI seeks to contribute to global carbon neutrality in its direct scope of business activities by 2050.
To meet its objectives, VINCI is developing tools and action plans specifically for its businesses to help them measure and manage all the greenhouse gas emissions associated with their activities, encompassing Scopes 1, 2 and 3.
14%
in greenhouse gas emissions in 2023 compared with 2018 (adjusted for the impact of acquisitions)
Some measures are being implemented by all Group companies (see the actions described in paragraph 3.2, “Acting for the climate”, of the “Environmental performance” section, page 233): gradual increase of electric power for the light vehicle fleet, training in eco-driving practices, modernisation of site machinery and heavy vehicle fleets, experiments with low-emission technologies, and the increased use of electricity from renewable sources. Others are being implemented by specific businesses. They include the replacement of heavy fuel oil by natural gas in industrial processes (VINCI Construction), temperature adjustments in offices and site facilities as well as airport terminals (VINCI Energies, VINCI Concessions, holding companies), testing the use of biogas fuels for some utility vehicles (VINCI Autoroutes), improved energy efficiency of worksite facilities (VINCI Construction), and the production of solar power for self-consumption (VINCI Airports).
37%
of electricity used in 2023 was from renewable sources
Group entities also deploy solutions to reduce emissions in the products and services they deliver in their business activities. For example, ensuring the energy efficiency of buildings under construction or renovation is a key objective for the Group. Accordingly, VINCI Construction companies have shown that they are able to meet the building industry’s highest standards, obtaining labels and certifications that go beyond regulatory compliance. Using eco-design software developed in partnership with the Mines Paris PSL engineering school, VINCI Construction teams also offer solutions for predicting and managing the energy consumption of delivered buildings. VINCI Construction companies therefore embed energy efficiency into a building’s entire life cycle.
Working proactively to adapt buildings and infrastructure to extreme weather events and developing technical skills and knowledge to reinforce building structures are a core part of solutions to climate change challenges. The Group has conducted research on issues including flood prevention, adapting neighbourhoods to heatwaves and managing the urban heat island effect. VINCI’s engineering and design office Resallience, which is dedicated to increasing the climate resilience of geographies, infrastructure and their uses, has also developed vulnerability maps and action plans for certain projects on behalf of Group divisions.
