This is a two-way interaction: Group activities are partly dependent on ecosystem services in terms of biomass resources, water and climate, and our activities also impact directly on biodiversity. The fragmentation and disruption of habitats caused by the footprint occupied by our facilities represent the main impact of Group activities (soil permeability compaction, interruption of ecological continuity, etc.).
The largest of these footprints is imposed by gas storage facilities and pipelines (since these are underground, they do not contribute to fragmenting the land) and the reservoirs used for hydropower generation.
Conventional power generating plants impact on biodiversity through their atmospheric emissions of CO2, NOx, SO2 and particulate matters, and their abstraction and discharge of water for process cooling.
Wind farms are most disruptive to birds and bats.
Environments favorable to the development of invasive exotic species can be created on worksites, especially during construction work. It is important to integrate this risk in the project phase.
The main indirect impacts relate to the Group’s sourcing of supplies, especially biomass.
Poor consideration or anticipation of regulatory changes ever stronger or stakeholder expectations may in particular cause delays or stoppages in our business, and therefore significant financial costs. The protection of biodiversity is fully involved in environmental and social responsibility of the Group and constitutes a strong challenge to the territorial base of its activity.