Biodiversity under pressure worldwide
One Planet ambition on biodiversity: positive impact new assets by 2025
Biodiversity is the term used to describe the variety of life on earth. This diversity is of great importance for a resilient nature and a liveable planet. Unfortunately, biodiversity is under great pressure worldwide. Restoration of forests, soils and wetlands and more green spaces in cities are essential to reduce the effects of climate change.


Our One Planet goal for biodiversity: positive impact new assets by 2025
To reverse the loss of biodiversity, Eneco wants to be a leader in the energy sector. Eneco's One Planet ambition on biodiversity is that, from 2025, all its investment decisions for new renewable energy sources will have a net positive effect on biodiversity. This means that we increase biodiversity more than we burden it. We achieve this by minimising the negative effects on biodiversity when developing and implementing new projects and by investing in nature restoration and development.
Eneco takes the local impact on biodiversity into account when building and implementing projects. Biodiversity in the chain and the decommissioning phase fall under the One Planet domain of circularity.
Method
Consultancy and engineering company Arcadis has developed an approach for Eneco to take appropriate nature restoration measures for each project to become a net positive. This approach is in addition to the requirements from the necessary permits. To fulfil these objectives, Eneco uses the Biodiversity Metric, a measurement tool used by the UK government.
The Biodiversity Metric guidance refers to values also used in BREEAM - a widely used standard for sustainable construction. BREAAM distinguishes two levels of 'biodiversity positive'. Eneco chooses to set the highest level as a condition. This means that, after implementation of the activities by Eneco, nature will recover to at least 110% compared to its original state.
Demonstration projects
Eneco is starting six demonstration projects, where we will work with a minimum of 110% nature restoration. The demonstration projects consist of six renewable energy sources under development. The sources differ in type - solar, wind and heat - and location - in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany.
For each demonstration project, we make an assessment in advance on how to best fit this sustainable source into the landscape and how to enhance nature and biodiversity (preferably locally). When it is not possible or useful to contribute to nature restoration locally, we will work on nature restoration of the habitat at another, similar location or make a financial contribution. Based on monitoring, we can determine whether the expected nature restoration is actually taking place.
Planning
- In 2024, Eneco will complete the demonstration phase and we will decide whether the measurement method can be used for all new renewable energy sources.
- By 2025 at the latest, our investment decisions include all measures required for a net positive effect on biodiversity for new renewable energy sources.
Current projects biodiversity
Ecocertified Solar Parks

Current projects biodiversity
Development of marine life and oyster beds

Current projects biodiversity
Nature restoration Hoge Veluwe
In the Hoge Veluwe National Park, small-scale experiments with spreading stone flour have been successful. Eneco is making a financial contribution. From now on, stone flour will be spread on a larger scale. A PhD student is studying its effects. The aim is to increase the biodiversity of plants, insects and birds on the heathland.

For an explanation of the terms used on this page click here.