Boskalis Sustainability Report 2020

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BIODIVERSITY

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT MEASURES We aim to avoid, reduce or mitigate negative biodiversity impacts related to our operations. During project implementation we adapt and optimize our working methods to align with the local situation and sensitivities, and to apply our Environmental and Social Policy available on our website. Boskalis has a zero oil spill ambition and we maintain 14001 ISO certification across our business units. We also embed environmental considerations into our Way of Working quality management system. Our fleet management system ensures that we apply required environmental management measures on board our vessels. Some of our technical teams are actively involved in defining these measures at a global level through organizations such as JIPs, CEDA, PIANC, EuDA. These measures cover ballast water management for example, vessel waste management and prevention measures against spills and other pollution. Our fleet management system ensures vessels are in compliance with relevant regulations such as the IMO Ballast Water Management Convention and IMO MARPOL Convention Annex VI. We also actively seek opportunities to make a positive contribution to the conservation, restoration and enhancement of natural environments. We do this through the provision of nature-based infrastructure solutions, as well as through delivery of restoration projects such as the Marker Wadden (see page 31) which our understanding of marine ecosystems makes us well-equipped to undertake. We continue to invest in the development of new technologies and work methods and to build an environmental mindset with our teams, project owners and stakeholders. Depending on the project type and scope of works for the contractor we can also offer our Building with Nature (BwN) approach. BwN constitutes an innovative and holistic approach to hydraulic engineering that departs from the dynamics of natural systems in the design phase. This approach benefits the environment, economy and society. A summary of the measures we take to help avoid, reduce or mitigate the impact of our activities on the environment are given on the page opposite.

AMBITION To lead the industry in the development of nature-based solutions to protect and enhance coastal ecosystems, and to contribute towards the Sustainable Development Goals through our environmental management approach

SCOPE Our own operations

TARGET ‚ To further develop our methodology to measure and manage our biodiversity impact through the application and evolution of our biodiversity framework ‚ To expand the knowledge base and commercial reach of our nature-based solutions

2020 PERFORMANCE ‚ Establishing two biodiversity-related collaborations with international NGOs

Managing our impact on the environment SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2020 – BOSKALIS ‚ Developing our biodiversity framework ‚ Building with Nature program investment ‚ New Environmental and Social Policy Biodiversity, the diversity of life on earth, is critical for a healthy environment and is a priority for Boskalis. Considerations on the protection of biodiversity are incorporated into our environmental and social risk management processes. For example, where our activities occur close to critical habitats of biodiversity importance, we apply appropriate precautionary management and mitigation measures. We invest in research and development, ways of working and collaboration to help protect and enhance biodiversity and ecosystems. Depending on the locations and type of work, our activities can impact individual species as well as habitats. The most significant biodiversity pressures related to our business are: ‚ suspended sediments/water turbidity; ‚ the modification, fragmentation and/or loss of habitat; ‚ the introduction of invasive species; ‚ pollution from waste or spills.

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