We manage our projects to protect and enhance biodiversity
of all living species. Including the protection of established
or protected habitats and species, often working with local
biodiversity groups.
The wild animals, plants and open spaces of the United Kingdom
are a source of inspiration and enjoyment for millions of
people.
Biodiversity (ref 1) is
important as it represents the wealth of resources available
to us and future generations. A minimum level of diversity
is essential to provide the material basis of human life:
to maintain the biosphere as a functioning system
to provide the basic materials for agriculture and other
utilitarian needs.
In other words, we need biodiversity to ensure that the planet
is clean, habitable and provides us with the elements that are
essential to survival i.e. food, water, and oxygen.
In the last few decades pollution has increased, as has the
pressure to develop on green spaces, thus threatening to reduce
the biodiversity of the UK. However, progress is being made
to conserve wildlife and habitats by government agencies,
voluntary groups, local authorities, and businesses including
Carillion. The government firmly believes that biodiversity
adds to the quality of life (ref
2).
Our business can impact on biodiversity in many ways, for
example:
land-take, construction and use of brownfield and greenfield
land
waste generation
pollution of the atmosphere, water sources and land
use of natural resources
transport of staff, products and raw materials
We recognise that our impacts can also be positive for example
by:
ensuring that native species are permitted to co-exist with
business
using resources efficiently
minimising waste
setting up local Biodiversity Action Plans
joining Local Agenda 21
developing risk based environmental management systems
We appreciate that, as a provider of construction and facilities
management services, with a significant overseas presence,
our operations affect nationally and internationally designated
sites which have been identified as important for nature conservation,
landscape or heritage reasons. In response to this concern
we continue to implement our Position
Statement on Sensitive and Designated Sites
which states that wherever possible damage to natural
habitats will be avoided, or mitigated.
During 2001 we supported and assisted conservation groups
and donated £25,000 to The
Wildlife Trusts through
a sponsorship campaign, called Carillion Natural Habitats.
This money was used to fund three projects, for example, £8,500
was donated for work at Moorbridge Pond Nature Reserve. This
is a site of importance as it is one of the few wetland areas
remaining in Nottingham.
Over the next 12 months a further £25,000 will be donated
and regional branches of the Wildlife Trusts can apply for
money from the Carillion Natural Habitats sponsorship, to
fund specific projects to benefit wildlife.
Dr Simon Lyster, Director General of The Wildlife Trusts
said:
"We are confident that this new partnership will prove
to be beneficial not only in supporting the conservation work
of The Wildlife Trusts but also raising public awareness and
generating interest in wildlife issues. We hope that the project
launched at Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust will lay the foundations
for future conservation projects with Carillion"
The following case studies provide examples
where we have used natural controls, established or protected
habitats and species, often working with the appropriate local
biodiversity groups;
The
Wildlife Trusts, a national charity which operates
through a network of 46 local Wildlife Trusts, has 363,000
members and manages more than 2,300 nature reserves.
