Business for Biodiversity - December 2020 - BCSD Portugal
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Business for Biodiversity December 2020
Business for Biodiversity
João Castello Branco
Chairman of the Board of BCSD Portugal
and Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Navigator Company
Source of raw materials and energy, from Nature This is why BCSD Portugal launched the act4nature
depend and impact on, directly or indirectly, and Portugal initiative, which aims to inspire and mobilize
to a greater or lesser extent, both human and businesses, by challenging them to protect, promote
economic activities. Therefore, it is important to and restore biodiversity. As President of BCSD
make a responsible use of the resources that Nature Portugal, I am pleased to highlight the aggregating
offers us and to respect any signs of imbalance in power of this initiative, as can be seen from the fact
the biosphere in which we live, that are reflected, in that 15 companies have already signed up. Although
different ways, in the fragility of some ecosystems they operate in different sectors, they have aligned
or even in the emergence of new risks for the themselves with a common purpose and 10 common
environment and human health. commitments that will guide their actions for nature
and biodiversity until 2030.
As for the climate theme, the business sector
wanted to take a leadership role and contribute I believe that the conditions are created to design
to the Biodiversity agenda. But such strategic effective plans and make the best use of the
and essential objectives as those of halting the financial supports that are emerging to conserve
biodiversity loss, or to maintain or improve the and value nature, and I hope that Sustainability,
ecosystems balance, together with ensuring that Nature and economic development will become, in
the same nature is able to efficiently supply the fact, consonant goals for the future.
raw materials we need, can only be achieved with
a prospective and long-term vision, with innovation
and partnerships between business, the State,
academia, environmental organizations and other
key members of society.
2
Business for Biodiversity
João Meneses
Secretary General of BCSD Portugal
Nature loss is one of the greatest challenges that taken by the act4nature Portugal initiative, aiming
humanity currently faces and, finally, it is becoming to help companies to better understand the role of
a topic of interest and concern for both general biodiversity in their business models.
public and for governments.
The act4nature Portugal initiative is framed within
Whether by ethical imperative, risk mitigation, the commitments that BCSD Portugal assumed in
pressure from stakeholders, especially regulators, 2019 when joined the Business for Nature5 coalition
investors, customers, and workers, or just by and aims to engage companies in commitments
business opportunity, biodiversity1,2 has becoming that contribute to reverse biodiversity loss and
an increasingly relevant topic also for companies, the degradation of ecosystems and services they
with many already looking to assess the linked provide. It is a replica of act4nature International,
implications, risks and opportunities for their launched in France in 2018 by the association EpE
business models and value chains. These will be the - Entreprises pour l’Environnement, in partnership
businesses of the future. with dozens of French multinationals. EpE is the
French counterpart of BCSD Portugal, which also is
It was with the aim of mobilizing and helping the member of the WBCSD - World Business Council for
Portuguese companies to protect, promote and Sustainable Development Global Network.
restore biodiversity, ecosystems3 and the services4
that they provide, that BCSD Portugal launched To the companies that joined act4nature Portugal
the act4nature Portugal initiative. This is an urgent from the beginning, assuming the 10 common
call to action for companies to make voluntary commitments and establishing their individual
commitments, integrating into their business commitments, as well as to the Advisory Board
models concrete actions for the conservation and members, my congratulations, and thank you. Much
enhancement of biological diversity, as well as for obliged! The BCSD Portugal team will do everything
the sustainable, if possible regenerative, use of to make act4nature Portugal a success!
natural resources.
We challenge other companies to join this initiative.
The relationships between companies and nature Join us, for nature!
are complex, diffuse, and often indirect. There are
still few companies for which biodiversity is one
of the first priorities in their “materiality” analysis,
and many find it difficult to integrate this theme
in the relationship with their stakeholders, in their
strategies and day-to-day operations. With this
publication we intend to present the first steps
1. The variability among living organisms from all sources including, inter alia, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part;
this includes diversity within species, between species, and of ecosystems. (IUCN, 2020).
2. Hereinafter, when we refer to biodiversity, we mean the species, habitats and ecosystems (including the services they provide) found within a company’s sphere of influence.
3. a dynamic complex of plant, animal and micro-organism communities and their non-living environment interacting as a functional unit (IUCN, 2020).
4. Services that intact, functioning ecosystems, species, and habitats provide and that can benefit people (IUCN, 2020).
5. www.businessfornature.org.
3
Business for Biodiversity
Contents
EDITORIAL ................................................ 2
COMMON COMMITMENTS ...................... 5
INDIVIDUAL COMMITMENTS .................. 8
ANA Aeroportos de Portugal ...................... 10
Corticeira Amorim ....................................... 14
Grupo Crédito Agrícola ................................ 16
CTT ............................................................... 18
Ecoinside ...................................................... 20
EDIA ............................................................. 23
EDP .............................................................. 26
Herdade dos Grous ...................................... 29
Jerónimo Martins ......................................... 31
Lipor ............................................................ 34
NBI ............................................................... 37
REN .............................................................. 39
The Navigator Company .............................. 42
Trivalor ........................................................ 44
VdA .............................................................. 46
GOVERNANCE ......................................... 49
4
COMMON COMMITMENTS
5
Business for Biodiversity
Recent scientific studies warn that In addition to their corporate social
the planet is losing biodiversity at an responsibility, innovating it’s on the best
unprecedented rate, rapidly approaching interest of companies, since they depend
a point of no return. In the past 50 years, on stable and resilient ecosystems, and
wild vertebrate populations have declined that, by choosing different approaches,
60% and scientists warn that the sixth new business opportunities may arise.
mass extinction of life on Earth has already
begun. Currently, already exist and we can develop
new solutions to meet the expectations
According to the Global Assessment of a growing part of the population. The
conducted by the Intergovernmental experiences in our companies and value
Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity chains, from suppliers to customers,
and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) on encourage us to change the scale and
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, create value by integrating biodiversity into
published in May 2019, humans are our strategies.
changing Earth’s ecosystems dramatically
and at an unprecedented pace, with about Public policies designed to foster nature
1 million animal and plant species at risk of conservation and biodiversity are evolving
extinction. This massive loss of biodiversity across the world, and this new paradigm
is degrading the natural systems, that assumes a greater and more active
sustain societies and economies, and the engagement by companies in these matters,
degradation rate continues to accelerate. at all levels.
Alongside global warming, which is one Aware of the role and action expected from
of the main drivers of this serious loss, our companies, we commit to integrating
the biodiversity and ecosystem services nature - environment, animals, plants,
preservation is one of the most important ecosystems, interactions, and genetic
challenges facing the world today. heritage - into our business strategies and
Biodiversity and ecosystem services models, and to put measures in place that
underpin prosperity and well-being of deliver solutions for the conservation and
species, including the human species. restoration of biological diversity, for the
Restoring the fragile balance of the natural sustainable use of natural resources and
world and life on Earth is thus not only an for a fair and equitable distribution of the
environmental issue, but also an economic, benefits accruing from this use.
social, and moral imperative.
Businesses can contribute to the
development of new dynamics.
6
https://www.bcsdportugal.org/act4nature-portugal 7
8
1
Business for Biodiversity
In addition to the implementation
of act4nature Portugal’s 10 common
commitments, participating companies
reinforce their pledge through a set of
individual SMART (Specific, Measurable,
Additional, Realistic and Time-bound)
commitments. These are established in
alignment with the nature of each company’s
business activity.
9
Thierry Ligonnière
CEO
www.ana.pt
ANA Aeroportos de Portugal’s commitments to act4nature Portugal
At a time when we face the challenges of a global
pandemic, ANA Aeroportos de Portugal is determined
to abide by its environmental commitments. In fact, one
of the strategic objectives set out by the company in its
environmental policy, which was first crafted in 1995,
is the protection of natural assets and the promotion of
With a corporate strategy imbued
biodiversity. This aim has been put into practice in the in the enhancement and protection
form of initiatives that range from carrying out studies
of fauna and flora at airports and in their surroundings,
of the natural and human
to supporting external entities such as CERVAS and RIAS, environment, ANA Aeroportos
which are Portuguese wildlife recovery centres. de Portugal S.A. integrates in
its business plan the issues of
As one of the 5 objectives of the AIRPACT 2030 - the
environmental strategy that is applicable to all airports protection and conservation
in the VINCI group - the importance of biodiversity has of species and ecosystems,
been highlighted. The goal for 2030 is “to promote
biodiversity alongside the control of the risk of birds indispensable for environmental
colliding with aircraft”. A number of key measures, balance, hence it is committed to
to which ANA is fully committed, are currently in
the pipeline. It is also in this line of commitment that
fulfil the biodiversity business
several individual commitments are presented within valuation initiative, the act4nature
the scope of act4nature Portugal. For the design of
these commitments, the AIRPACT 2030 was taken as
Portugal.
reference, as well as the commitments assumed by the
VINCI Group for the act4nature International in 2018,
and the various studies carried out by ANA airports in
recent years.
Thierry Ligonnière
Given the current state of the world, it is crucial that ANA CEO of ANA Aeroportos de Portugal
maintains its commitment to ensuring a more sustainable
future. The company remains fully engaged with creating
a better future for the country and the wider world.
10AIRPACT – reduce CO2 emissions by 40% by 2030,
Annual amount of CO2 emitted (tonnes of CO2
compared to 2018, and achieve CO2 neutrality by Now - 2050
equivalent)
2050
AIRPACT – promote the circular economy by moving
towards the goal of zero waste sent to landfill by Waste recovery rate (percentage of recovered
Now - 2030
2030, through a target waste recovery rate of 80% waste)
or more
AIRPACT – reduce water consumption and protect
natural resources, bringing consumption down to Quantity of water consumed per passenger (L/pax) Now - 2030
10.7L/pax by 2030
Biodiversity diagnosis and ensuing action plan
2021 - 2022
covers (X)% of ANA airports
Carry out a biodiversity diagnosis at ANA
airports, with the subsequent establishment and
implementation of a Biodiversity Management Plan
The biodiversity action plan covers (X)% of ANA’s
airports, with implementation of measures by 2023 - 2030
2030
Monitor key biodiversity indicators at airports The 3-year interval
periodically (every 3 years). Share the data Total or partial follow-up reports on the is indicative. It will
obtained on the ANA website and possibly on other biodiversity diagnoses carried out at the airports depend on the
speciality reporting platforms biodiversity diagnoses
Identification of the potential and real, direct
Integrate aspects of biodiversity loss and and indirect, positive and negative impacts the
ecosystem degradation into the company’s company has on biodiversity and ecosystems to Between 2021 and
Environmental Management System, with a view be integrated in the Environmental Management 2022, with periodic
to establishing an ANA biodiversity strategy in the System (e.g., integration of context analysis, reviews, as necessary
future stakeholders, risks and opportunities,
environmental issues and impacts)
Set up a biodiversity working group, comprising at
Number of meetings of the Biodiversity Working Set-up in 2020, to
least one technician from each airport. The group
Group work through to 2030
will hold meetings to share best practices
11Foster internal and/or external initiatives that raise Number of biodiversity-related awareness-raising
2021 - 2030
awareness of biodiversity initiatives
Number of initiatives in which ANA participates
Strengthen ANA’s participation in domestic and The number of ANA papers and publications on
biodiversity published or presented at conferences, 2021 - 2030
international working groups
congresses, seminars, workshops and scientific
journals, among others
Foster local partnerships for projects that impact
significantly on biodiversity, in line with what
is already being done with CERVAS and RIAS.
Participate in initiatives for fighting biodiversity Number of partnerships established 2021 - 2030
loss and ecosystem disruption led by domestic and
international entities
Work with internal and external stakeholders to
create an eco-management/best practices guide, Publication of the Eco Management Guide on the
2021 - 2030
to be distributed to operational employees and on communication platforms
communication platforms
Establish biodiversity criteria for sustainable
Integrate biodiversity in responsible purchasing
purchasing assessments, for the relevant groups 2021 - 2022
assessments, for the relevant groups of purchases
of purchases
Organise thematic visits to ANA partners or to
Organise one visit per year (Ria Formosa
areas surrounding airports that are important to
Natural Park, Tejo Natural Park, an ornithological
biodiversity (Ria Formosa Natural Park, Tejo Natural 2022 - 2030
observation station on the Tejo River, for example
Park, ornithological observation station on the Tejo
or to RIAS or CERVAS, among others)
River, for example)
When requested, allow external entities to make
technical visits to sites implementing biodiversity Number of authorised visits, per year 2020 - 2030
projects developed or supported by ANA
Implement a biodiversity geographical information Biodiversity geographical information system covers
2022 - 2030
system (100% ANA airports) (X)% of ANA airports
Ensure no airports are using phytosanitary
products by 2030 (excluding contractual or Quantity of phytosanitary products used per year Now - 2030
regulatory measures)(100% ANA airports)
12Promote the plantation of trees, shrubs and
other types of plant cover through initiatives
sponsored by the company, in addiction to any Number of planted trees and/or shrubs Intervention/
initiatives derived from ANA’s Voluntary Carbon 2
rehabilitation of areas of conservation interest (m ) 2021 - 2025
Management and Energy Efficiency
Number of partnerships with local
Strengthen scientific partnerships, and develop
entities, deepening existing ones 2021 - 2025
R&D, for the promotion of biodiversity
(University of Algarve) and/or others
* Specific | Measurable | Additional | Realistic | Time-bound (with a set time frame).
13António Rios de Amorim
Chairman & CEO
www.amorim.com
Corticeira Amorim’s commitments to act4nature Portugal
Corticeira Amorim is a multinational company of 1. preservation of the montado (cork oak forest) and
Portuguese origin, founded in 1870, prominent leader in its ecosystem services, through knowledge building,
research, development and transformation of cork-based resource mobilization and proposed measures;
products and solutions. Under the motto “take care of the
present, build the future”, Nature is a source of inspiration
2. reduction of the environmental impact of company
for the development of products from an extraordinary
operations, through the adoption of renewable,
natural raw material – cork, a treasure to be preserved
accessible and efficient solutions;
and valued.
3. application of the circular economy principles, by
Its mission, developed in perfect harmony with nature,
reducing waste, prolonging the life of materials and
determines the strategic principles that underpin every
promoting the regeneration of natural systems;
activity, including its environmental policy. The company
is committed to the adoption of practices that ensure the
preservation of nature, with sustainability as the main 4. keep a proactive role in the development of what is
reference. In line with the United Nations Sustainable already a vast array of cork applications, sustained by
Development Goals, Corticeira Amorim has set ambitious the innate characteristics of the material.
targets for four material aspects that are impacted by the
Group’s activities:
Corticeira Amorim performs the measurement and
monitoring of the indicators associated with these aspects
and reports them annually in the sustainability report,
subject to independent verification.
We must grow by assuring the safety and well-being of all, the efficient
management of natural resources, the protection of the balance of ecosystems
and the circularity of processes and the economy, towards a sustainable
development model and a more cohesive society, conscious and prepared to face
the challenges ahead with ambition and tenacity.
António Rios de Amorim
Chairman & CEO of Corticeira Amorim
14Include the protection of biodiversity in the Code of business ethics and professional conduct
2020-2020
corporate code of ethics and professional conduct published on the Corticeira Amorim website
Develop initiatives that foster cork oak forests,
Number of initiatives and results 2021-2024
biodiversity and ecosystem services
Expand knowledge on the environmental impact
of cork products and of the ecosystem that they Number of studies and results 2021-2024
support
Promote biodiversity in the value chain, ensuring
Annual variation in the consumption of virgin non-
a 5% reduction in the consumption of virgin non- 2021-2024
renewable plastics/chemicals
renewable plastics/chemicals per year
Encourage the integration of biodiversity into the
Percentage of renewable energy in the production
production process by ensuring that 2/3 of the 2021-2024
process
energy consumed is from renewable sources
Reduce the impacts on the production process by Percentage of avoided energy in the production
2021-2024
ensuring energy efficiency savings of 2% per year process
Increase resource management efficiency by Waste recovery rate (% of non-cork recovered
2021-2024
ensuring a waste recovery rate of 90% or higher waste)
Keep a proactive role in the development of what
is already a vast field of cork applications, in order
Annual investment in R&D and results 2021-2024
to ensure the sustainability and biodiversity of cork
oak forest
Implement initiatives that raise employee awareness
Number of initiatives and their results 2021-2024
of biodiversity issues
Publish the monitoring of the commitments Annual sustainability report published on the
2021-2024
made Corticeira Amorim website
* Specific | Measurable | Additional | Realistic | Time-bound (with a set time frame).
** Operations in Portugal
15Licínio Pina
Chairman
www.creditoagricola.pt
The Crédito Agrícola Group’s commitments to act4nature Portugal
Founded in 1911, Crédito Agrícola was initially focused on In this context, the GCA defined, in 2019, its Sustainability
financing farmers in Portugal and has since expanded its Policy, which is embodied in an Action Plan for
scope to other sectors of activity. This strong connection Sustainability defined for 2020 and 2021. This plan
to the primary sector from its genesis has driven the presents ambitious commitments that clearly contribute
Grupo Crédito Agrícola (GCA) to concern about assuring to: the Paris Agreement, the Sustainable Development
a prosperous development, together with care for the Goals and the relevant national and European policies on
environment. sustainability. In this Sustainability Policy, the contribution
to reduce waste, the impacts of climate change and the
preservation of ecosystems is assumed.
The close involvement with the farming sector has given
GCA a front-row view of the impacts caused by climate
change, which has provoked more frequent extreme Biodiversity is one of the most substantial components
weather events, such as droughts and rainstorms. that determine the balance of ecosystems and its
Similarly, it has also enabled an understanding of the incorporation in the business strategies of various sectors
impact that agriculture itself can have on the environment, is crucial. It is important to encourage organizations to
depending on the practices employed, including develop Nature-based solutions, in order to guarantee the
greenhouse gas emissions, soil pollution and a high use of quality and balance of biodiversity, so necessary for the
water resources. satisfaction of raw material needs by the entire business
sector.
Thus, the GCA recognizes that sustainability-related
themes are pivotal to ensure a prosperous future, Therefore, GCA’s adherence to act4nature Portugal is
contributing to the country’s economic and social fully aligned with the Sustainability Policy, which already
progress. This is one of the Group’s current concerns, includes a commitment to ecosystems and biodiversity.
which aim to support and encourage its Clients to reduce
environmental, social and governance impacts, also aiming
to support the identification of new business opportunities
based on concepts such as efficiency in the use of
resources, circular economy and renewable energies.
The genesis of the Crédito Agrícola Group is the agricultural sector and, being
close to nature, recognizes the importance of biodiversity for the balance of
ecosystems and the urgency in fighting climate change. The Group intends
to contribute to a greener, circular and socially inclusive economic model,
by channeling investments and capital towards projects that contribute to
reduce the environmental impact of economic activities and reduce situations
of social exclusion and inequality. Thus, it is the Group’s duty to contribute to
the preservation of ecosystems, this commitment being reiterated with the
act4nature Portugal.
Licínio Pina
Chairman of the Crédito Agrícola Group
16Integrate biodiversity-related criteria into
Results of the application of biodiversity-related
the company’s ESG (Environment, Social and 2020 - 2022
ESG criteria
Governance) analysis
Participate in task forces (TF), working groups (WG)
or any similar entities that focus on biodiversity and Participation in TF/WG/other equivalent(s) 2020 - 2022
ecosystem services
Establish local or regional partnerships (e.g.,
with local communities, associations, companies,
academia, public entities, etc.) for projects that have
Partnerships formed and their results/ impacts 2020 - 2021
a significant impact on biodiversity (to solve specific
problems or that are in alignment with the company’s
strategic plan)
Identify and monitor, on an annual basis, the
indicators that assess the indirect impact of the
company’s activities upstream and downstream in
the value chain (e.g., % variation in use of non-
renewable resources, % variation in renewable Results of the indirect impact indicators 2021 onwards
energy use, composting rate and/or recycling
of products, variation in the weight of waste
produced, etc.)
Integrate biodiversity-related concerns into the Changes made to the company’s Procurement
2022 onwards
Company’s Procurement Policy Policy
Collaborate with suppliers and/or clients to
minimise biodiversity impacts on the company’s Projects/partnerships/initiatives with suppliers
2022 onwards
value chain and/or clients
Participate in public consultations related to
biodiversity and ecosystem services (e.g.: National Public consultations in which the company
2020 onwards
Strategy for the Conservation of Nature and participates
Biodiversity)
Increase employee awareness, through awareness-
Number of employees who participated in
raising initiatives that focus on the importance of 2021 onwards
awareness-raising initiatives
biodiversity and ecosystem services
Foster employee knowledge, through participation
Number of employees who participated in voluntary
in voluntary environmental initiatives or the 2021 onwards
environmental initiatives
carrying out of local biodiversity inventories
Work with internal and external stakeholders to
create an eco-management/good practices guide, Eco-management guide published on the company’s
2021 - 2023
to be distributed not just to operational employees communication platforms
and but also on communication platforms
* Specific | Measurable | Additional | Realistic | Time-bound (with a set time frame).
17João Bento
Executive Chairman | CEO
www.ctt.pt
CTT’s commitments to act4nature Portugal
For its impact on the Portuguese society, its presence all energy, optimising resource consumption and recovering
over the national territory and in international markets, waste. We foster communication and engagement with
the mission of CTT Group is to provide communications our stakeholders and support a number of initiatives that
and logistics solutions as well as financial products of generate value for the community.
proximity and excellence, and to establish relationships of
trust and innovation.
We have joined the act4nature Portugal initiative because
it aligns with the CTT sustainability programme, which is
We are partners in strengthening and developing proximity anchored in more than 12 thousand employees and our
solutions, through effective logistics and communication extensive transportation and logistics network, which
models that allow us to connect people and companies. currently includes 315 less polluting vehicles.
We are committed to environmental management and CTT’s individual commitments under this initiative are
corporate civic engagement. A cross-organisational embedded in the social and environmental responsibility
commitment with an ongoing impact on CTT’s day-to-day strategy that we have been developing, through regular
operations and business model. awareness of our employees, value chain and society,
for the conservation of biodiversity, the protection of
ecosystems and the services they provide globally.
The main way in which CTT’s business activity impacts on
the environment is through the transport-related emission
of air pollutants. Because of this, we are constantly We will continue to work on connecting people and
striving to improve the company’s energy efficiency, businesses, as well as to contribute positively and
which represents direct environmental gains, as well responsibly to the challenges faced by society.
as a more solid and consolidated balance sheet, both in
the short and long term. We implement initiatives that
focus on preserving the environment and biodiversity,
promoting more sustainable mobility, using renewable
Fully aware of the role that CTT plays in the Portuguese economy
and society, we believe in the importance of promoting biodiversity
conservation and the protection of our forests. We are glad to join the
act4nature Portugal initiative and committed to achieve the shared
objective of reversing the loss of biodiversity.
João Bento
Executive Chairman | CEO of CTT
18Include commitments to combat biodiversity loss
90% of employees read the updated environment
and the degradation of ecosystems in the CTT
policy, with its commitments to combat 2020-2025
Environment Policy and ensure all employees are
biodiversity loss and ecosystems degradation
made aware of this policy
Ensure the Executive Committee (EC) discusses Held 1 meeting at which the topic of biodiversity Annual (2020 and
biodiversity conservation periodically preservation is addressed on the EC agenda subsequent years)
Include an assessment of the company’s
performance, in terms of its impact on biodiversity, 2020 (periodic
Results of the stakeholder consultation exercise
in the stakeholder consultation exercise and consultation)
disseminate its results
Run (internal and external) awareness-raising
initiatives on the importance of preserving
biodiversity, in partnership with key stakeholders 10 periodic awareness-raising initiatives for CTT Annual (2020 and
in the area, with a view to raising awareness of the employees and local communities subsequent years)
importance of biodiversity and ecosystem services
Integrate biodiversity conservation and CTT Purchasing Policy, updated with specific
2020 and applicable
preservation concerns into the company’s criteria for biodiversity conservation and
to subsequent years
Purchasing Policy and respective dissemination protection, published on the CTT website
Implement initiatives in the field that aim to
mitigate impacts on biodiversity in Portugal, 3 initiatives carried out in the field and the number Annual (2021 and
by enlisting the help of company and partner of employees/participants subsequent years)
employees
Promote ecological restoration in areas of
Increase the area of national planted forest and/or
special national interest through native trees Annual (2020 and
natural habitats, compared to the preceding year
and/or shrubs plantation and natural habitats subsequent years)
(> 90 ha since 2014)
preservation
Establish partnerships with key players to develop
and incorporate measures to combat biodiversity Establish at least one long-term partnership, per Long-term
loss in national territory year (names of partners and specific purposes) partnerships
Train employees in good environmental practices 90% of all company employees trained in good 2020-2025
and on the company’s environmental performance environmental practices
Invest in local, national or international projects
Annual (2020 and
that aim for environment and biodiversity Amount invested (euros/year)
subsequent years)
conservation
* Specific | Measurable | Additional | Realistic | Time-bound (with a set time frame).
19António Cunha Pereira
CEO
www.ecoinside.pt
Ecoinside’s commitments to act4nature Portugal
Ecoinside, founded in 2006, is a technology company that We have made six individual commitments that have
has always prioritised the sustainable development of been crafted by the team as a whole, with the aim to
organisations across Portugal. The main driver behind the actively raise awareness of ECOINSIDE employees, clients,
company’s creation was to insert the word eco-efficiency suppliers and partners. At the same time, we see an
into the Portuguese lexicon and to put into practice the idea opportunity here to assess the environmental impact of
that it is possible and advantageous to reconcile ecology our business and develop a set of important action plans
with the economy. that will most certainly support us in taking concrete steps
towards energy transition. We believe, as we have done for
the last 15 years, that yes, it is possible for organisations
Our first projects were aligned with this vision. The
to both improve their economic performance and preserve
implementation of BIORIA in Estarreja and NaturRia in
nature.
Murtosa were examples of this - the Ria was given back
to the citizens, local fauna and flora were promoted, to
the point that today these two natural spaces are known
and cherished by the general population. We operate in
five major areas and in each of these we seek to reconcile
our passion for environmental protection with the need
for a productive and efficient economy. These areas are
renewable energy, energy and water efficiency, energy In joining the act4nature Portugal
management, electric mobility and sustainability.
initiative, we have found the perfect
way to materialise the values that
We are committed to protect biodiversity, reduce our
carbon footprint and return to nature the resources it gives underpin our company’s foundation
us to develop our business. We also want to extend this and culture.
commitment to our clients and partners, introducing them
to our example and good practices. In 2020, we joined the
act4nature Portugal initiative and, thus, found the perfect
way to materialise the values that underpin the foundation,
culture and values of our company. António Cunha Pereira
Ecoinside CEO
20Insert biodiversity into our value chain:
• systematic integration of biodiversity in the
preparation of our business solutions and
business consultancy work, through the Number of companies we are working with on this
development of specific analyses theme
• inclusion of ecosystem preservation concepts, Number of submitted proposals Annual
their evolution and nature-based solutions Percentage of proposals implemented
• analysis of biodiversity and ecosystem
services related problems in the strategies of
the companies we serve
Assess the impact of Ecoinside’s business activity
on biodiversity and define monitoring indicators
to be reviewed annually and published in the Report on the biodiversity impacts of our business
sustainability report: activities and the targets achieved in reducing 2020 - 2020
negative externalities
• Perform the analysis of selected indicators and
publish the report by the end of 2020
Percentage of employees who have had biodiversity
Train and raise awareness of biodiversity: training
• Reach 100% of trained employees on Number of events and results
biodiversity by 2021 2020 - 2022
Reforested area (ha)
• Carry out awareness actions with employees
Number of planted trees
and civil society, in the next two years
Number of internal publications on biodiversity
Manage green spaces:
• Create a garden/kitchen garden at the new
Ecoinside premises. This will foster:
Report on the biodiversity impacts of our business
• employee well-being through access to activities and the targets achieved in reducing 2020 - 2021
green spaces negative externalities
• an increase in biodiversity in the garden,
which will serve as a shelter for some
invertebrate species, such as pollinators
Number of annual meetings
Establish an internal committee responsible for the
2020 and subsequent
biodiversity strategy and annual implementation of Number of members
years (annual)
the biodiversity action plan
Number of active initiatives in the plan
21Develop a local action plan with partnerships in
order to promote biodiversity:
Partnership created (school group)
• Engage schools in our activities. Establish
a routine of school visits at specific times Action plans for 3 partners (schools)
Annual
to communicate our work on sustainability, 3 measures implemented per plan
biodiversity, energy efficiency and renewable
energy production
* Specific | Measurable | Additional | Realistic | Time-bound (with a set time frame).
22José Pedro Salema
Chairman of the Board of Directors
www.edia.pt
EDIA’s commitments to act4nature Portugal
Empresa de Desenvolvimento e Infraestruturas do The EFMA was implemented in an area that contains a
Alqueva, S.A. (EDIA) is a state-owned business overseen by wide of diverse habitats and species. The company cares
the Ministry of Agriculture. Its mission is to design, build, about ensuring the integrity of these habitats and has
operate and promote the Alqueva Multi-Purpose Enterprise made a significant contribution to the stability of the
(EFMA), and it’s responsible for the largest irrigation area environment and of the natural resources in its area of
in Portugal (120,000 ha + expansion project of 50,000 ha). operation.
EFMA’s area of influence covers about one third of A suitable biodiversity conservation strategy will feature
Alentejo. In addition to the hydro-agricultural benefit, the elements that cover the prevention, management and
large size, scope and modernity of the water infrastructure mitigation of the damage that the organisation’s practices
under management allows the company to also engage can cause to natural habitats.
in hydroelectric power generation through a reversible
system, public and industrial water supply, flow control
Joining act4nature Portugal represents the culmination
and correction, environmental and heritage conservation
of the strategy that EDIA has already been implementing
and development and land use planning.
to foster the environmental and economic sustainability
of the Alqueva Project, with a specific emphasis on
We believe that the planned expansion of the area that biodiversity, within the company’s activities and also the
benefits from this management and the implementation stakeholders activities.
of an ambitious photovoltaic energy production project
for self-consumption, which will reduce our energy
In joining the initiative, EDIA will continue, in a reinforced
expenditure – the system’s largest operating costs – will
way, to give a voice and embrace the importance of such
be the main developmental anchor points for the long-
issues as the protection, promotion and restoration of
term sustainability of the Alqueva project.
biodiversity within the company, within the society in
general and in the surrounding business community.
The best way to contribute to the protection of biodiversity is to set an example.
EDIA gives this example, incorporating its concern for the sustainability of the
area in which it operates into the very DNA of its core business.
José Pedro Salema
Chairman of the EDIA Board of Directors
23Oversee the bat shelter boxes set up within the
Pedrógão- Alqueva system: Number of oversight initiatives: 2
• oversee the existing network of shelter boxes 2020 – 2022
installed around the Alqueva and Pedrógão Number of management and rehabilitation initiatives: 2
reservoirs and, if necessary, strengthen/
rehabilitate this network
Monitor and manage invasive exotic species:
• EDIA has been working closely with the
Number of oversight initiatives: 60
entities responsible for this matter and has
implemented early detection and control 2020 – 2022
Number of management and rehabilitation initiatives: 2
measures for the common water hyacinth
(Eichhornia crassipes) in the section upstream
of the Alqueva reservoir
Develop the EDIA Sustainability Report:
• EDIA will use this report to disseminate and
comment on its environmental, social and
economic performance and to strengthen its Annual Sustainability Report 2020 – 2023
commitment to the development of Alentejo,
with biodiversity being one of the main issues that
the company intends to focus on
Set up partnerships for the conservation of natural
assets:
• local interventions designed to underpin the
compatibilization of agriculture with natural Number of areas involved: 2 2020 - 2022
assets and the conservation of biodiversity
through the establishment of local and regional
partnerships
Deliver awareness-raising initiatives aimed at
beneficiaries:
• organisation of initiatives, aimed at
beneficiaries, that will raise awareness of Number of initiatives: 4 2020 - 2022
the importance of biodiversity on farms.
These will encourage the implementation of
measures, the creation of show areas and the
publicising of these areas
Deliver awareness-raising initiatives aimed at the
school community:
• conduct/collaborate in awareness-raising
Number of initiatives: 4 2020 - 2022
initiatives on the importance of biodiversity in
the EFMA region
24Disseminate best practices:
• establish guidelines for the adoption of good
agri-environmental practices by encouraging Publication of the Code of Good Agricultural Practices 2020 - 2022
beneficiaries to help minimise the effect of
farms on existing natural assets and their
biodiversity
Implement conservation and rehabilitation actions
Intervention in two units 2020 - 2022
for Mediterranean Temporary Ponds
Promote the setting up of eco-friendly corridors,
Ecological Connectivity Plan for the EFMA 2020 - 2022
thus fostering ecological connectivity in the EFMA
Promote awareness-raising initiatives for
employees:
• increase employee awareness, including
through awareness-raising initiatives that Number of sessions: 1 2020 - 2022
focus on the importance of biodiversity and
ecosystem services
Develop participatory initiatives for biodiversity:
• These initiatives, which will be part of a wider
Setting up of one competition 2020 - 2022
strategy and will be of increasing complexity,
will raise employee awareness and drive the
implementation of specific concrete actions
Implementation of the LIFE project, Montado Adapt:
• the adaptation strategy in the project is based
on increasing the Montado/Dehesa system’s
resilience to climate change, through the
Project area: 1,250 ha 20I6 – 202I
creation of sustainable farming activities that
will stimulate the economic role of the rural
world, avoid new migration and reduce the
pressure on the environment
Disseminate best practices - A picture is worth
more than a thousand words:
By producing and publishing short awareness-
Number of Videos: 12 2020 - 2022
raising, promotion and good environmental practice
videos on its social media and YouTube channel,
EDIA is helping to inform the wider public of good
examples in a dynamic and appealing way
* Specific | Measurable | Additional | Realistic | Time-bound (with a set time frame).
25António Martins da Costa
Member of the Executive Board of Directors
www.edp.pt
EDP’s commitments to act4nature Portugal
Protecting biodiversity is a key feature of the EDP Group’s The group is determined that its business activities
corporate strategy. The group’s Environment Policy will result in a positive overall balance of biodiversity.
underpins three lines of action: climate change; the To achieve this, it is gradually applying the mitigation
efficient management of natural resources; and protecting hierarchy to its various projects, prioritising, in doing so,
biodiversity, an area for which two specific commitments the very earliest planning stages, before the impact occurs.
have been made:
Furthering scientific knowledge and setting up
1. “Contribute to preventing or reducing biodiversity loss, partnerships
[…];
EDP’s work in this area is rooted by participatory,
2. Contribute to deepening scientific knowledge long-term and adaptive management processes that
[…], particularly through the establishment of are capable of dealing with the natural dynamics of
partnerships.” ecosystems and the uncertainties associated with their
behaviours and responses. EDP underpins its commitment
Since 2008, this policy has served as the anchor to building scientific knowledge by financing the EDP
point for the EDP Group’s ISO 14001:2015 certified Biodiversity Chair (EDP Chair), which currently focuses on
corporate environmental management system, which two fields of research that are particularly relevant for the
covers “the corporate management of EDP Group Group: Environmental Genomics and Impact mitigation for
policies, commitments and environmental performance power generation and distribution technologies.
worldwide”.
The other partnerships with organisations working on
The work that the company does, on an ongoing basis, to the ground not only foster the creation and sharing of
identify and understand the impacts of its business activity knowledge but have also proved to be a key factor in
on biodiversity loss includes: bolstering society’s trust in the company and the industry.
• assessment of risks and of opportunities for acting EDP’s most recent collaboration in this area is with IUCN,
early and effectively; for the promotion of best practices for mitigating the
impacts on biodiversity generated by renewable energy
projects.
• being at the foresight of regulatory pressures, by
engaging in dialogue with policymakers;
Duty of transparency
• ensuring that its decision-making takes societal
expectations into account; Accountability is a current practice of EDP, recognized
worldwide for its contribution to sustainable development
by different raters and indexes, in which the Dow Jones
• monitoring by means of impact indicators;
Sustainability Index (DJSI) stands out.EDP has been rated
on this index for 12 years in a row and, in 2019, was named
• periodically reporting on the group’s performance. the #1 company in the world, among integrated utilities.
Ambition for a Positive Balance The group has published biodiversity reports since 2009
and EDP’s approach, performance and practices in this
EDP has set a corporate goal of attaining “No Net Loss” in area are detailed in the recently released Biodiversity
all new projects for which significant residual impacts have Report 2015-2019.
been identified.
26At EDP, we recognise the impacts our business activity has on biodiversity and work daily
to improve our social licence to operate. Committing to act4nature Portugal is a natural
step for us and marks the beginning of a collaborative approach by the various players in
Portugal.
António Martins da Costa
Member of the EDP Executive Board of Directors EDP
Prepare an No Net Loss (NNL) Internal Guide on
Implementation rate (%), internal publication 2020-2022
biodiversity for the entire EDP Group
Implement an NNL training programme Number of employees involved 2022-2023
Achieve biodiversity NNL in all new projects with
Percentage of new NNL projects 2022-2030
significant residual impacts
Evaluate and value the EDP Group’s environmental
Percentage achievement; internal publication 2020-2023
externalities
Evaluate the effects of mortality (by electrocution
and collision) risk reduction measures on the
Scientific publication 2020-2021
dynamics of endangered bird populations along
electricity distribution lines
Draw collision electrocution risk maps for the six most
Number of maps 2020-2021
endangered species of birds in Continental Portugal
Meet a target of correcting 700 km** of existing
electricity distribution lines, in areas of high risk of Kilometres of corrected line 2020-2021
mortality for endangered bird species
Carry out a study on sedimentation in the reservoirs
Implementation rate (%), internal publication 2020-2024
in EDP’s Douro system
Publish biodiversity data obtained through
Biodiversity occurrence data published on the 2020-2021
evaluation and monitoring studies on
GBIF platform*** (objective: 750,000 data items
environmental impacts and compensation
published)
27Set up partnerships through the EDP Chair
to increase the scientific knowledge of the Scientific publications
2020-2021
environmental impacts and compensations of Academic theses
EDP projects
Set up partnerships through the EDP Chair for Scientific publications
the development and testing of new biodiversity 2020-2021
monitoring methodologies Academic theses
Scientific publications
Support long term research activities at the Baixo Academic theses 2020-2021
Sabor LTER Publication of biodiversity datasets and
environmental parameters on the DEIMS platform
* Specific | Measurable | Additional | Realistic | Time-bound (with a set time frame).
** Target to be periodically updated
*** global biodiversity information facility
28Luís António Lousa Duarte
Manager
www.herdadedosgrous.pt
Herdade dos Grous’s commitments to act4nature Portugal
Herdade dos Grous is located in Albernoa, in the Herdade dos Grous is committed to working in a way that not
municipality of Beja, in Baixo Alentejo. Every year, only delivers client satisfaction but also creates a sustainable
tourists from all over the world travel here to enjoy the environment, in line with key principles that include the
spaciousness, tranquillity and beauty of this estate. Of a following:
total of 1,050 hectares, 93 are given over to integrated
production vineyards that are managed in an ecological and • to develop a plan for the management of biodiversity
sustainable way. The remaining area is divided into olive and ecosystems throughout the estate and adjoining
groves, meadows, pastures, scrub, wetlands, the Grous areas;
dam reservoir and the open forest of cork and holm oaks.
• to integrate the PSVA into the overall management of
As part of its sustainability management process, Herdade the company;
dos Grous participates actively in the Alentejo Wine
• to continuously improve efficiency, productivity and the
Sustainability Programme (PSVA). The objective of this
environmental and sustainability performance of both
pioneer project, with voluntary adherence, the first of its
the activities and the products;
kind in Portugal, is to provide members with a tool that
allows them to assess the way in which they currently • to draw up action plans to identify, assess and address
run their business activities. It also offers best-practice the risks and opportunities associated with the product
recommendations for increasing both vineyard and wine life cycle;
competitiveness and sustainability. The challenge is to
produce quality grapes and wine in an economically viable • to protect the environment, including preventing
way, whilst protecting the environment and biodiversity pollution, mitigating and adapting to climate change and
and improving relations with employees, neighbours, and protecting biodiversity and ecosystems;
other stakeholders.
• to make rational and efficient use of natural resources
THE MISSION: We have taken on the mission of producing in and energy;
a sustainable and responsible way that will safeguard the
environment and reduce our carbon footprint. • to minimise waste production and maximise waste
valorisation;
THE VISION: To provide high quality products, having
as guiding axes the protection of the environment and • to embed environmental values in the assessment of
nature, the fulfilment of Sustainable Development Goals new projects and decision-making to business growth.
established, social responsibility and economic profitability.
At Herdade dos Grous, we prioritise the growth of ecological resilience and the adaptation to
climate change, particularly as regards to sustainable farming.
If we look beyond the vineyards and take in the landscape as a whole, we see meadows and
scrub, olive groves, wetlands and cork and holm oak forests. All of this landscape diversity
comprises the underlying ecological network that not only supports the business model
but also ensures that the next generation will enjoy at least the same, but ideally better,
conditions for intelligent and responsible farming.
Luís António Lousa Duarte
Manager of Herdade dos Grous
29Management Plan and evidence of results
(installation of 100% indigenous pastures
Develop and implement a Biodiversity and comprising species with greater climate resilience
Ecosystem Services Management Plan for and greater functional diversity; installation of 2019 – 2021
Herdade dos Grous riparian hedges along four watercourses that run
between the vineyards; planting of mixtures of
annual and shrubby plants for pollinator banks)
Implementation results for the REF. GROUS project
(Strategic evaluation of Herdade dos Grous’ natural
capital; Management of bioindicators for the
Implement a bioindicator management process
Fundamental Ecological Network; Restoration of
that supports an action plan for restoring
the Fundamental Ecological Network; Integration
ecosystems and their functions and increases the 2020 – 2021
of vineyard sustainability with the Alentejo Wine
climate resilience of the Fundamental Ecological
Sustainability Programme (PSVA); and Development of
Network that underpins all production
a dissemination and communication strategy) approved
by the Environment Fund under its ‘Biodiversity
Management and Natural Capital Reinforcement’ notice
Set up a vine sustainability plan based on native
Vineyard management and reconversion plan 2020 - 2025
grape varieties resilient to climate change
Integrate biodiversity, ecosystems and natural Chapter on the Economic Evaluation of Natural
capital into the 2020 Sustainability Report Capital and Ecosystem Services in the 2020 2020 – 2021
Sustainability Report
Promote best practices for the management of In furthering its objectives and initiatives, Herdade
biodiversity, ecosystems and climate adaptation dos Grous also intends to develop and implement
2020 - 2021
in other group projects, particularly in the Douro a Plan for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Service
Demarcated Region Management for its Douro estates
* Specific | Measurable | Additional | Realistic | Time-bound (with a set time frame).
30Pedro Soares dos Santos
Chairman and CEO
www.jeronimomartins.com
The Jerónimo Martins Group’s commitments to act4nature Portugal
With over 225 years of experience in the food business and c) Foster sustainable agriculture
more than 4,300 stores spread across Portugal, Poland We have been working with fruit and vegetables
and Colombia, the Jerónimo Martins Group is committed suppliers to encourage sustainable agricultural
to democratise the access to quality food, based on practices since 2014. We have written a Sustainable
sustainable value creation. Agriculture Handbook, which, in addition to raising
awareness of these practices (e.g., biodiversity
As fresh food specialists, we know it is our responsibility preservation), can be used to calculate the
to limit our business activity impacts on biodiversity and sustainability index for farms and monitor its evolution.
ecosystem services. That is why we have created a set of
policies and initiatives that reflect our ongoing mitigation d) Fighting climate change
efforts in six priority areas: We have introduced measures to minimise carbon
emissions associated with our business. These include
a) Net zero deforestation investments in renewable energy systems, the use of
We implement initiatives that aim to reduce the carbon new technologies to reduce carbon emissions in cooling
emissions associated with deforestation, preserve the and air-conditioning systems and waste management.
biodiversity of these ecosystems and help eliminate
human rights, child and/or labour abuses associated e) Preserving biodiversity
with palm oil, soy, timber, and beef. We share these Our potential communication reach of over four
commitments through our membership of the Forest million daily visits to our stores, allow us to create
Positive Coalition of Action. campaigns for raising awareness on the importance of
preserving biodiversity. We also partner with research
b) Preservation of the marine ecosystem centres and/or NGOs to promote specific biodiversity
Through our Sustainable Fishing Strategy, we are conservation projects.
committed to promote the consumption of fish species
caught in compliance with practices that prevent f) Monitoring and disclosure
overfishing. Thus, we have established initiatives for We also maintain a regular dialogue with our stakeholders,
each of the three conservation risk categories defined by in order to identify and prioritise material sustainability
the IUCN. issues. We have created sustainability committees in
our companies, to monitor such topics as biodiversity.
We are also working to fight plastic pollution, by Moreover, the Committee on Corporate Governance and
ensuring that all Private Brand packaging will be Corporate Responsibility works closely with the Board of
100% recyclable by 2025. We are also committed Directors on sustainability issues.
to reduce specific plastic consumption, in line with Our policies, commitments and initiatives are widely
our membership of the New Plastic Economy Global published, particularly on our corporate website.
Commitment.
As food experts with over 225 years, our business depends on what Nature produces.
Protecting the planet’s natural resources is therefore crucial to ensure we can feed future
generations in a such a way that it will guarantee the continuity of our business. It is also
why the conservation of biodiversity is such a strategic priority for the
Jerónimo Martins Group.
Pedro Soares dos Santos
Chairman and CEO of Jerónimo Martins
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