2025 Universal Registration Document

Implementing ecological engineering solutions to preserve and restore biodiversity

Environmental engineering has become a major area of expertise for biodiversity conservation and restoration. VINCI Construction has developed a range of environmental engineering solutions for customers, supporting commitment no. 4 to the act4nature international initiative: “Develop our capacity to restore natural environments and support our customers”.

Under the Equo Vivo® brand, VINCI Construction carries out ecological engineering work meeting three major objectives: to restore ecological connectivity, hydromorphological processes and degraded natural environments. To achieve these goals, the teams contribute their expertise in river hydraulics, plant-based engineering, earthworks and the management of invasive species.

Developing nature-based solutions in urban environments

Beginning at the design phase, VINCI Construction works to reintegrate nature into urban environments through its Revilo® solution. It creates urban cool islands using rainwater management, vegetation layers and permeable soil and urban surfaces. The solution has been deployed at more than 100 worksites since 2024 and has transformed, for example, Place du Général Goiran in Nice by redesigning green spaces and natural habitats.

VINCI Construction’s experts also set up a consulting structure, Urbalia, to help urban planners and construction companies integrate biodiversity into their designs for the city of the future.

2.6.3 Performance monitoring

2.6.3.1 Identification of sensitive areas

To assess the vulnerability of its sites with respect to ecologically sensitive areas, VINCI uses the Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool (IBAT), which has been integrated into ResiLens and provides access to the World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA) and the World Database of Key Biodiversity Areas (WDKBA).

VINCI has identified the following sensitive areas: Natura 2000 protected areas, Ramsar sites, state-specific protected areas, Unesco MAB programme biosphere reserves, Unesco World Heritage Sites, and IUCN protected areas in categories I to III. IUCN categories I to III aim to protect the ecological integrity of natural ecosystems and processes. Category IV includes sites in which regular management measures are required to conserve and, as needed, restore species or habitats. Category V protects lived-in working and cultural landscapes, which include, for example, farms and other forms of land use, such as France’s regional nature parks. Category VI applies to areas with sustainable use of natural resources, mainly to benefit local populations.

Its analyses show that less than 1% of fixed sites (quarries, plants, offices, airports, linear infrastructure) are located in or near IUCN category I to III protected areas, Ramsar sites, state-specific protected areas, Unesco MAB programme biosphere reserves or Unesco World Heritage Sites. Approximately 7% of fixed sites, mainly motorways, are located near Natura 2000 protected areas, and 5% are located in or near key biodiversity areas.

Sector analyses are performed to identify sites close to biodiversity-sensitive areas, with varying results depending on the methods used. VINCI takes measures adapted to its operating sites and worksites, in consideration of the local situation and project duration. A number of educational initiatives are implemented to support regional actors (see paragraph 2.6.2, “Policies, objectives and action plans”, page 239).

2.6.3.2 Monitoring offsetting measures put in place

Wildlife crossings and fenced sections