2018-自然资本核算_如何抓住机遇规避风险_（英文版）-2mb

报告摘要

Summary of "MAKING NATURAL CAPITAL COUNT"

Core Content

This article explores the concept of natural capital and its critical role in business strategy, risk management, and sustainability. It emphasizes that natural capital—comprising natural resources and the ecosystem services they provide—underpins all business activities and is increasingly recognized as a key factor in long-term viability and profitability.

The article outlines how natural capital considerations can be integrated into business decision-making across various sectors, including extractives, agro-industry, infrastructure, manufacturing, and real estate. It highlights the importance of understanding and managing natural capital to meet regulatory expectations, optimize financial performance, and enhance corporate reputation.

Main Points

1. What is Natural Capital?

Natural capital refers to the stock of natural resources (e.g., air, land, water, flora, fauna) and the services they provide (e.g., food production, water purification, carbon sequestration, biodiversity, and recreational benefits).
It is under increasing pressure due to resource exploitation and pollution, leading to a decline in global natural capital.
Proactive management of natural capital can yield significant commercial, monetary, and reputational benefits.

2. Natural Capital and Business Risks & Opportunities

Businesses are major consumers of natural capital and are exposed to risks and opportunities throughout their value chain.
75% of leading food crops depend on animal pollinators, highlighting the vulnerability of the agro-industry to natural capital loss.
The UN Environment Programme estimates that over 50% of current company earnings may be at risk from environmental cost changes.

3. Sector-Specific Applications

Extractives Sector

Projects in the extractives industry (e.g., oil and gas) face regulatory scrutiny and stakeholder pressure.
Natural capital assessments help in meeting no net loss (NNL) requirements, reducing financial costs, and enhancing corporate reputation.
Example: Arcadis supported a Canadian oil and gas company in using natural capital to meet NNL requirements cost-effectively.

Agro-Industry

The agro-industry is heavily reliant on healthy ecosystems.
Natural capital strategies help in improving soil health, water efficiency, and biodiversity.
Example: Arcadis helped a dairy company align with the Natural Capital Protocol (NCP) and FAO LEAP method to reduce biodiversity pressure.

Infrastructure and Urban Development

Natural capital integration in infrastructure planning can reduce costs, speed up approvals, and improve resilience to climate change.
Example: The Silvertown Tunnel project in London demonstrated biodiversity net gain through a combination of on-site and off-site measures.
The NW Bicester EcoTown project used green and blue infrastructure to enhance biodiversity and reduce operational costs.

Manufacturing

Manufacturers face risks from resource scarcity and environmental externalities.
Natural capital action plans help in resource security, product innovation, and sustainability reputation.
Example: A sporting goods manufacturer aimed for biodiversity net gain using Habitat Equivalency Analysis (HEA), resulting in cost savings over traditional infrastructure.

Real Estate

Real estate companies control large land holdings and have significant impact on natural capital.
Natural capital strategies can reduce construction costs, accelerate approvals, and enhance operational resilience.
Example: The NW Bicester EcoTown project was recognized as a Healthy New Town by the UK government.

4. Financial Sector Implications

Financial institutions are increasingly required to assess and manage natural capital risks.
The Equator Principles and Natural Capital Declaration require projects to demonstrate no net loss of ecosystem services.
Green finance initiatives such as Green Bonds and impact investments are growing and offer investment opportunities aligned with natural capital goals.

Key Takeaways

Natural capital is a critical asset that affects all businesses.
Failing to manage natural capital can lead to significant financial and reputational risks.
Integrating natural capital into strategic and operational decisions offers opportunities for cost savings, regulatory compliance, and sustainable growth.
Arcadis is a leader in natural capital management, providing expertise and tools to help businesses assess, manage, and optimize their natural capital.

Call to Action

Businesses should:

Conduct materiality assessments to understand their relationship with natural capital.
Develop programmatic approaches to enhance natural capital and manage risks.
Engage with natural capital protocols and standards such as the Natural Capital Protocol (NCP).
Collaborate with Arcadis experts to implement natural capital strategies tailored to their industry and stage in the value chain.

Contact Information

Real Estate and Extractives: Ginny King – ginnie.king@arcadis.com
Agro-Industry: Johan Lammerant – johan.lammerant@arcadis.com
Power Generation, Green and Blue Infrastructure, Urban Development: Martina Girvan – martina.girvan@arcadis.com
Corporate Strategy and Value Chain: Bianca Nijhof – bianca.nijhof@arcadis.com
Finance: Rob Evans – rob.evans@arcadis.com