key biodiversity considerations Consideration
Impact
Related business risks
Habitat
• Loss of habitats • Fragmentation and alteration of natural habitats • Changes in ecological processes/drivers • Introduction of alien species
• Environmental Impact Assessment (Environmental Impact Assessment) not granted, delayed or appealed • Opposition by conservation NGOs and local communities: impact on Environmental Impact Assessment and bad publicity/brand/reputation damages • Zoning application not granted • Possibility for requirements for compensation and/or biodiversity offset • Need to find alternative location • Costs of mitigation measures as set out in environmental management programme and conditions of environmental authorisation • Impact on project footprint • Potential constraints on investment and financing
General wildlife
• Displacement and disturbance • Depletion of food resources
•A s above
Birds and bats
• Displacement (loss of habitat) and disturbance of birds and bats • Barrier effect on commuting and migration routes • Death of birds and bats through collision with turbine blades and barotrauma (bats only)
•A s above •P re- and post-construction monitoring requirements: cost implications
Noise pollution
• Potential disturbance (human and animal)
•A s above
Geology
• Geological or geomorphological impacts
•A s above
Hydrological processes and impacts on water resources
• Potential disturbance of animals and humans • Disturbance of water ecosystem, such as wetlands, riverine habitat • Alternation of hydrological processes • Use of water resources (particularly solar and during construction)
• As above, plus • Potential business risk to obtain water-use licence • Potential additional delay and costs
10 | WIND ENERGY & THE TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE