Another key aspect for Enagás in the environmental dimension is the management of natural capital and biodiversity. In this area, we analyse the dependencies and impact of our activity on natural capital, in line with Natural Capital Coalition’s Natural Capital Protocol, in order to identify actions to minimise our environmental impact.
Below you can see the environmental impacts identified by the company, according to their significance and origin, and the main actions we carry out to prevent and reduce them.
| Environmental aspects | Impacts | Origin of impacts | Main preventative actions and impact mitigation | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Most relevance | Gas emissions
| Reduction or deterioration of the quality of the atmospheric environment | Energy consumption for the operation, construction and |
|
| Medium relevance | Waste
| Decrease in resources and soil and water quality | Infrastructure maintenance |
|
| Least relevance | Seawater withdrawal (returning the water in similar | Deterioration in seawater volume and/or quality | Regasification plant operations | Use of cold before seawater is return to the sea |
| Land occupation | Impact on biodiversity | Construction and operation of infrastructures | Restoration and preservation of ecosystems to avoid deforestation | |
| Consumption of water from the municipal network and ground or surface water sources | Reduction of natural resources |
| General plan to reduce the consumption of water in facilities | |
| Noise pollution |
| Infrastructure operation | Silencers, insulation | |
Light pollution |
| Infrastructure operation | Reduction of night-time lighting |
Specifically, we conduct a natural capital assessment based on an environmental materiality analysis at the infrastructure level. In certain cases, we also carry out detailed assessments of the ecosystem services of the environment.
Enagás is a member of the Natural Capital Factory, a regional platform of the Natural Capital Coalition that brings together the Spanish community around natural capital approaches with the aim of ensuring that nature is included in decision-making.
We have set a target of no net loss of nature and biodiversity in 2040 and target of positive net impact in 2050, in both our greenfield construction projects and the existing infrastructure we operate. In addition, we have set the target of no net deforestation in 2040.
To this end, we carry out annual environmental assessments of the infrastructure in operation and Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) for new construction projects, in accordance with the applicable typology and regulations. EIAs are public information and are subject to consultation processes with stakeholders. You can see the latest EIAs approved at the bottom of this page.
For areas identified as priority or critical in terms of biodiversity, we evaluate impacts, dependencies and associated risks. Based on this analysis and taking into account our objective of positive impact on biodiversity, we define objectives for these areas and lines of action
We have develop corporate biodiversity guidelines based on the impact mitigation hierarchy and aimed at preserving ecosystems and their biodiversity in our activities and areas of operation.
Our actions in the field of biodiversity aim to fulfil the following targets:
Actions included in the design and planning phase of construction projects such as using, when possible, existing infrastructure corridors and narrow work tracks to avoid areas of natural vegetation or potentially protected species habitats.
Actions included in environmental monitoring programs, such as reducing noise levels and minimizing atmospheric emissions both during the works stage and when in operation, through better available techniques.
Restoring surfaces via decompacting and replacement of topsoil, replanting affected land by sowing species environmentally compatible, or species recovery programs.
We maintain a firm commitment in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and include the offsetting of part of its emissions through investment in reforestation projects, thus helping to avoid changes in the physical conditions of ecosystems in which plant and animal species are developed.
In addition, we collaborate with external stakeholders (environmental engineering and consulting firms, local communities, public authorities and town councils where Enagás is present, NGOs, and biodiversity associations and foundations, etc.) to ensure compliance with the commitments set out in our corporate guidelines.
Our facilities occupy an area of 7.4 km2 of protected natural areas (Natura 2000 Network, CIS/SAC), Ramsar wetlands and Biosphere Reserve.
Consult the documentation on the EIAs for the main projects we are developing.
We promote the development of renewable gases, through the Enagás Renovable affiliate, as new key solutions in the decarbonization process and in the development of a circular economy.
Most of the waste generated by Enagás is related to the maintenance of facilities and equipment, and is mostly liquid waste. In 2022, Enagás Transporte S.A.U. obtained "Zero Waste" certification* and Enagás S.A the "Towards Zero Waste" certification, both from AENOR, as a recognition to the company’s progress in maximising the volume of waste recycled or recovered, and in minimising the waste generated. In this sense, we aim to treat (recycle/recover) at least 90% of hazardous and non-hazardous waste. In addition, we have an action plan to increase the percentage of waste recovery in infrastructure and minimise waste generation.
* Waste management certificate 2022. The Barcelona plant is outside the scope of this certification.
Enagás has signed the Pact for the Circular Economy promoted by the Spanish Government. Under the Pact, we commit to promoting the transition to a circular economy through different actions on which we are already working.
At Enagás, we have a number of measures in place to reduce emissions from our activity that have an impact on the atmosphere. During the combustion of natural gas in the equipment of our facilities, non-greenhouse gases such as CO, SOx, NOx, PM10 particles and Non-Methane Volatile Organic Compounds (NMVOCs) are emitted. Therefore, these emissions are directly related to CO2 emissions and are affected by the energy efficiency measures and CO2 emission reduction targets. In 2022, there was an increase in non-greenhouse gas emissions compared to 2021, which is directly related to the increase in natural gas consumption due to significant changes in the operating context of the Spanish Gas System.
In addition, we carry out regular environmental noise measurements at the perimeter of all our infrastructure to check that the levels are within the limits set by the applicable legislation. If deviations are detected, corrective actions are taken (acoustic screens, silencers, insulation, etc.).
In terms of light pollution, we have reduced night-time lighting at its facilities by switching off the lighting at night, with the exception of regasification plants, where minimum perimeter lighting is maintained.
Enagás does not use water in its production processes. Our main water intake is seawater for use in vaporisers and regasification plants. At the end of the process, it is returned to the sea in the same state; the decrease in temperature is minimal and does not affect the marine ecosystem. In 2022, 306.7 Hm3 of seawater was extracted and returned to its source.
Therefore, we have various measures aimed at reducing water consumption such as better techniques for irrigation and consumption of grey water. In 2022 we have managed to reduce the amount of water drawn from the municipal network by 10%, surpassing our own target (5%).
Enagás does not use raw materials in its production processes, but rather auxiliary substances for transmission activities such as THT, methanol, oils, triethylene glycol and liquid nitrogen.
We are committed to promoting the circular economy through the efficient use of these materials, reducing consumption, pollution, waste generation and its impact on the environment while encouraging innovation.
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