Nature Positive Role of the Offshore Wind Sector
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Mapping strategies and actions by business function (continued) TABLE 7
Business function Potential strategies and actions required for a nature-positive transition
Finance and risk
managementFinancial management
Revise capital planning assumptions for nature-positive related businesses cases (e.g. pay-off periods for
investments may increase versus traditional capital expenditures)
Consider impacts of nature-positive transition on balance sheet (e.g. high-polluting assets might have to be written
off prematurely or written down on an accelerated timeline)
Investments
Increase capital spending on projects enabling the nature-positive transition of the business (e.g. retrofitting plants,
supporting other nature-based solutions)
–In particular, allocate funding to improve nature-inclusive design
Allocate budget for innovation spending, such as for circular innovations and research into bio-based or recycled
material for feedstocks
–Plan for the financial implications of incorporating circularity and sustainable product development
Commit to investments in nature conservation, restoration and nature-based solutions in collaboration with NGOs
and local communities
Financing
Consider that the cost of capital for high-polluting operations could increase
Consider that availability of capital may become contingent on credible nature-positive strategies
Use new sources of funding, such as green bonds and sustainability loans, nature-focused impact funds, blended
funding and partnership with NGOs
Risk management and disclosure
Consider that new nature-related risks may emerge that need to be managed (see TNFD framework), for example:
–Physical and supply chain risks, such as decreased water availability or quality in the supply chain
–Transition risks including demand shifts, regulatory risks and reputational risks
Prepare required nature-related disclosures for audited statements for CSRD (and potentially under forthcoming
requirements of the ISSB)
Procurement Ensure procurement decisions are aligned with sustainability imperatives and strategy
Engage closely with upstream suppliers to discuss impacts and dependencies, as well as priority actions, and co-
develop implementation strategies
Develop innovative working models or partnerships with suppliers to support the transition (e.g. upfront payments or
co-financing)
Research and
development (R&D)Invest in research for new nature-positive products and production techniques
Introduce new metrics to track the effect of R&D spending related to the nature-positive transition of the business, in
addition to financial returns from R&D spending
Operations (own) Identify relevant indicators and establish applicable metrics as well as define the respective target ambition and
baseline for each and subsequently report publicly on progress
Enhance efficiency of production processes (e.g. digitalization and automation in manufacturing processes; energy
efficiency measures; recycling and re-use, nature-inclusive design)
Engage in conservation and restoration initiatives
Operations (supply
chain management)Identify relevant indicators, establish applicable metrics, define the respective target ambition and baseline for each
and subsequently report publicly on progress made
Collaborate with suppliers for sustainable sourcing and improved traceability
Support suppliers (where possible) in taking nature-positive actions for their own operations
Human resources Upskill workforce on nature and biodiversity topics (where relevant)
Hire relevant external expertise (e.g. additional human resources might be required to prepare for upcoming nature-
related reporting and disclosure requirements)
Nature Positive: Role of the Offshore Wind Sector
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