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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


E&P Sound and Marine Life Programme

E&P Sound and Marine Life Programme

http://www.soundandmarinelife.org/

The E&P Sound and Marine Life Programme is an international consortium of oil & gas companies organised under OGP in london. Its objectives are to obtain scientifically valid data on the effects of the sounds prouduced by the E&P industry on marine life.
Aluminium For Future Generations

Aluminium For Future Generations

http://www.world-aluminium.org/Sustainability/Envi...

The Aluminium for Future Generations initiative is a programme of continuous improvement on the part of the global aluminium industry, overseen by the International Aluminium Institute.  It comprises thirteen voluntary objectives, covering all key phases of aluminium’s life cycle. 

Reports of note include:
  • Life Cycle Assessment of Aluminium: Inventory Data for the Primary Aluminium Industry (2007).
  • Sustainable Bauxite mining report (2008).
See also:

Entreprises pour l'Environnement

http://www.epe-asso.org/

The companies organised in this French initiative are united by a commitment to the environment and to sustainable development. The businesses come from various sectors: steel, aluminium, automobile, chemicals, cements, and energy
Wildlife Habitat Council

Wildlife Habitat Council

http://www.wildlifehc.org/certification/

The Wildlife Habitat Council is a third party certification which recognizes commendable wildlife habitat management and environmental education programmes at individual sites.
Palm Oil Financing Handbook Practical guidance on responsible financing and investing in the palm oil sector (WWF)

Palm Oil Financing Handbook Practical guidance on responsible financing and investing in the palm oil sector (WWF)

http://assets.panda.org/downloads/the_palmoil_fina...

This guide aims to help financial institutions reduce the environmental and social risks associated with transactions in the palm oil sector.  It focuses on developing and implementing a responsible palm oil finance and investment policy.

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