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Energy

About this sector

Energy is required every day in different forms and its use lies at the core of modern industrialized society. Global demand for energy is growing steadily, particularly in emerging countries seeking economical development. Nowadays, fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas), nuclear and renewable sources (solar and wind energy, hydropower, biofuels) are the three main types of energy resources.


Impacts

  • Habitat loss and alteration from infrastructure development, biofuel cultivation and hydropower production.
  • Water consumption for the production of oil and gas, as well as biofuel that can impact local water supplies.
  • Greenhouse gas emissions from the burning of fossil fuels and the clearance of forest for biofuel cultivation.
  • Pollution from oil spills, nuclear waste and agricultural chemicals used in biofuel production.

Opportunities/Risks

  • Regulatory risk: increasing requirements for redress through legislation such as the EU Liability Directive, and that of countries such as Brazil and the USA that requires impacts to be offset or compensated for.
  • License to operate: strong relationships with regulators can result in obtaining agreement to operate in less time.
  • Reputation: managing biodiversity can ensure a good reputation among local communities, governments and other stakeholders.

Case Studies


Partnering for biodiversity conservation on landfill sites

Partnering for biodiversity conservation on landfill sites

As part of its reputational risk management, SITA France is developing different programs aiming to conserve biodiversity on its landfill sites. These initiatives include field programs, such as the Red Kite conservation project, and development of new methodologies designed to better assess impacts on biodiversity and consequently better monitor conservation and rehabilitation actions.

Conserving biodiversity along distribution lines

Conserving biodiversity along distribution lines

Hydro-Québec is a government-owned utility with a single shareholder, the Québec government. Its mandate is to generate, transmit and distribute electricity in Québec. It sells surplus power on wholesale markets and is also active in arbitrage and purchase/resale transactions. The company has more than 23,000 employees and operates essentially with renewable energy sources, especially hydropower. Hydro-Québec relies on a total installed capacity of 36,427 MW, of which 97% comes from its 59 hydroelectric generating stations and 26 large reservoirs. Besides hydropower, it relies on wind power, which makes up 1% to 2% of its total capacity now and should rise to about 10% by 2015.


Tools and Mechanisms


Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO)

Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO)

http://bio.org/ip/international

BIO is the world's largest biotechnology organization, providing advocacy, business development and communications services for more than 1,150 members worldwide. BIO engages in the discussions on a possible patent law harmonization treaty within WIPO, the WTO TRIPS process, as well is actively engaged in the deliberations of the Intergovernmental Committee on Folklore, Traditional Knowledge and Genetic Resources of the World Intellectual Property Organization and in various forums within the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
International Hydropower Association (IHA)

International Hydropower Association (IHA)

http://www.hydropower.org

The IHA addresses the role of hydropower in meeting the world’s growing water and energy needs as a clean, renewable, and sustainable technology.  It was formed under the auspices of UNESCO in 1995 as a forum to promote and disseminate good practice and further knowledge about hydropower.
UK Green Building Council

UK Green Building Council

http://www.ukgbc.org/site/home

The UK Green Building Council's mission is to improve the sustainability of the built environment in homes and non-domestic buildings by transforming the way it is planned, designed, constructed, maintained and operated. Additionally, they have produced sector specific biodiversity guidance.
Uganda BioTrade

Uganda BioTrade

http://www.ugandaexportsonline.com/biotrade/

The Uganda BioTrade Programme was designed to facilitate and promote trade in biological goods and services.  Increased trade positively affects employment creation, the sustainable use of Uganda’s natural resources, and contributes to poverty alleviation.

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)

http://www.ebrd.com/enviro

The EBRD is an international financial institution that supports projects in 30 countries from central Europe to central Asia. Investing primarily in private sector clients whose needs cannot be fully met by the market, the Bank promotes entrepreneurship and fosters transition towards open and democratic market economies.

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