Land and biodiversity
Many of our sites now have biodiversity action plans in place, which support the UK's national goals to achieve a significant reduction in the current rate of biodiversity loss at the regional and national levels while supporting global action. The UK biodiversity action plan (BAP) has developed 391 Species Action Plans, 45 Habitat Action Plans and 162 Local Biodiversity Action Plans with targeted actions for the protection of these biological resources.
In 2004, we issued a formal biodiversity policy statement, which commits us to a range of actions including carrying out biodiversity surveys at our sites, protecting and enhancing their ecological value if possible and educating our staff and contractors about the importance of this issue. We consult with local and national conservation bodies and support their work in various ways - not least through our enthusiastic staff who volunteer for specific projects.
Several of our sites now have full BAPs in place, including Kingsnorth, Ratcliffe and Ironbridge power stations. We have formalised the process for implementing local BAPs at E.ON UK sites. Those over 50 hectares in area will undertake an assessment of their current impact on biodiversity. If a site has significant potential impact, or could improve biodiversity by positive actions, a BAP will be developed.
Our Central Networks business manages biodiversity as part of its day-to-day operations to maintain and improve the distribution network. Where the network is close to environmentally sensitive sites, we aim to ensure that our staff and contractors are aware and can ensure that our activities do not cause any damage.
Full details of the environmental performance of each of our sites is available here and detailed environmental trend data going back to 1990 is available here.
Targets
| Target | Business unit | 2005 performance | 2006 target | Long term target |
| Biodiversity assessment for all sites over 50 hectares and Action Plans where impact is significant. | Central Networks and Energy Wholesale |
Central Networks agreed BAP by end of year. Energy Wholesale BAPs in place at Kingsnorth, Ratcliffe-on-Soar and Ironbridge power stations. |
Implement biodiversity strategies. Maintain BAPs already in place and consider the requirements at remaining large sites. |
Maintain BAPs. |
The largest area of land we own is that surrounding the Rheidol Hydro-electric Power Station. Whilst not currently covered by a BAP, the land surrounding the plant is largely left to nature. Rheidol Power Station is certified with the International Standards Organisation's environmental management (ISO14001) standard for Environmental Management and supports local conservation through the E.ON UK Environment Fund and the Royal Society for Nature Conservation.
We are currently developing a permanent biodiversity section for the E.ON UK website which will be used to convey our ongoing commitment to biodiversity issues and provide information on our sites and activities with known biodiversity impacts.
