3.3 Biodiversity and land degradation

Contributing to positive biodiversity outcomes

The project sites that NRC Group works on are predominantly located in highly developed locations, such as in existing transport corridors and built-up urban areas. The baseline biodiversity values within these sites are relatively low, and in many cases are increased through remedial works and landscape plantings that form part of our projects. We see opportunities to contribute to positive biodiversity outcomes and actively monitor and protect biodiversity values at our project sites. This makes biodiversity a material topic for us.

Managing our biodiversity impacts

Our project activities are governed by local authority permits, regulation and specific project or contractual conditions. Despite having a relatively low risk of biodiversity impacts because of the existing nature of our operating sites, our projects maintain site management plans, including how we monitor and protect biodiversity values.

Specific measures are taken where there are notable or vulnerable biodiversity areas on our sites, such as fencing off, creating buffer zones, remedial works and formal environmental impact assessments. We actively monitor and report biodiversity values and impacts on a project basis.

A number of our projects in 2023 took place in or adjacent to formally protected natural areas or areas of significant biodiversity value. These areas are typically nature reserves or habitats of protected species. Projects may also occur in locations classified as protected ground water areas. NRC Group always adheres to strict work activity permits, local environmental regulations and its own rigorous environmental protection protocols.

Zero accidental spills

We believe that any spill is avoidable. That’s why we have made significant investments in people, processes and equipment to eliminate spills. Our investment is paying off, with no reported accidental spills in 2023. We define an accidental spill as one where a harmful substance contaminates the environment and is likely to cause direct environmental impact. Minor and infrequent spills do occur in our operations, such as when a hydraulic hose pipe bursts on a machine. Where these spills are less than 250 litres and the affected area is immediately cleaned (usually through removal of any contaminated soil or vegetation), they are not reported as accidental spills. Our professional employees continue to deliver environmental improvements year-on-year, and by eliminating spills demonstrate their commitment to our environmental performance goals.

Hazardous substances carefully handled

Alongside our approach to accidental spills, we have a set of formal processes and training for the handling of any hazardous substances. These are substances which if not handled correctly they could have potential significant human health and environmental impacts. In 2023, there were no reported incidents involving our handling and use of hazardous substances.