VINCI has carried out studies specifically for the purpose of identifying the Group’s material impacts, risks and opportunities related to biodiversity. The Group reviewed and analysed the sensitivity of its sites, activities and value chain to biodiversity issues, in addition to past biodiversity-related controversies or disputes involving VINCI. It also reviewed and analysed historical and projected data on biodiversity-related impacts on the Group’s Ebitda. Activities that are dependent on ecosystem services were also identified. VINCI uses its Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool (IBAT) to identify sites located in biodiversity-sensitive areas.
VINCI’s strategy takes the interests of all stakeholders into account, including nature. The Group is a member of several bodies focusing on biodiversity, such as the Organisation pour le Renouveau de l’Économie par l’Environnement (Orée) and Entreprises pour l’Environnement (EpE), and has developed partnerships with non-profit organisations, experts, academics and educational institutions to support research and raise awareness. For its projects (worksites, airports, quarries, etc.), VINCI frequently consults design firms, non-profits and local experts, who also monitor biodiversity over the long term. Some consultations are held with local residents, conservation organisations and government agencies. The Group has acknowledged a risk of controversy related to the origin of the wood used in construction activities.
VINCI has assessed its value chain with respect to the five direct drivers of biodiversity loss, as identified in the internationally accepted guidelines of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES).
| Pressures on biodiversity by type | Reference in the report |
|---|---|
| Soil sealing | Soil sealing Reference in the report 2.6 Preserving natural environments – Biodiversity (ESRS E4), Land use and fragmentation factor (page 241) |
| Overexploitation of resources | Overexploitation of resources Reference in the report 2.3 Optimising resources thanks to the circular economy (ESRS E5) (page 227) |
| Climate change | Climate change Reference in the report 2.2 Acting for the climate (ESRS E1) (page 208) |
| Pollution | Pollution Reference in the report 2.6 Preserving natural environments – Biodiversity (ESRS E4), Pollution (page 243) |
| Invasive alien species | Invasive alien species Reference in the report 2.6 Preserving natural environments – Biodiversity (ESRS E4), Invasive alien species (IAS) factor (page 243) |
An analysis of dependencies on ecosystem services was also performed. Ecosystem services are defined as nature’s contributions to society. They include provisioning services (direct consumption, productive uses, etc.), existence and heritage values, regulating services (water flow regulation, pollination, climate regulation) and option value (biological diversity). Except for the water flow and climate regulation services (mentioned in paragraphs 2.5, “Preserving natural environments – Water (ESRS E3)”, page 235, and 2.2, “Acting for the climate (ESRS E1)”, page 208), VINCI’s activities across its value chain are not materially dependent on ecosystem services.
Only sites related to the Group’s own activities are considered to have material biodiversity issues. These consist of the physical facilities operated under concessions (airports, renewable energy production facilities and motorways), the Group’s quarries, and land owned by VINCI in connection with its property development business. Office sites are considered non-material from a biodiversity standpoint. Excluding impacts to the affected communities mentioned in paragraph 3.3, “Engaging with affected communities (ESRS S3), page 274, the Group has not identified significant social impacts generated by these sites.
At sites where VINCI operates temporarily, especially construction, earthworks and maintenance worksites, biodiversity issues are not material and are in fact considered to be associated with the upstream and downstream value chain of the Group’s activities.
