Environmental Sustainability and Renewable Energy

Joost Notenboom

Explore the environmental impacts of renewable energy projects, from raw material extraction to project decommissioning. Learn how to assess, mitigate and manage these challenges responsibly.

Investment Management Sector

Explore the environmental impacts of renewable energy projects, from raw material extraction to project decommissioning. Learn how to assess, mitigate and manage these challenges responsibly.

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Environmental Sustainability and Renewable Energy

8 mins 33 secs

Key learning objectives:

Understand the lifecycle environmental impacts of renewable energy projects
Outline best practices to minimise greenhouse gas emissions in project development
Explore strategies to assess and mitigate climate risks
Identify tools and frameworks to enhance sustainable project governance

Overview:

Renewable energy offers cleaner alternatives to fossil fuels, but it’s not without environmental consequences. From mining raw materials to decommissioning infrastructure, the lifecycle of renewable energy projects can generate emissions and impact ecosystems.

Key focus areas include lifecycle assessments for solar, wind, and battery projects, emissions-saving measures, and strategies to limit climate risks. Learn how interventions such as using low-carbon technologies, optimising supply chains, and implementing decarbonisation plans contribute to sustainability. It is equally important to conduct climate risk assessments, vital for reducing disruptions over a project’s lifespan. Integrating responsible practices positions renewable energy projects for success.

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Summary

What are the key environmental impacts of renewable energy projects?

Renewable energy projects impact the environment through raw material mining, processing, transportation, construction, operation, and decommissioning. Emissions, resource consumption, and biodiversity loss are significant challenges across the lifecycle of solar, wind, and battery technologies.

How can businesses minimise greenhouse gas emissions in renewable energy projects?

Mitigating emissions begins with a lifecycle carbon assessment, identifying sources of emissions at both the project and corporate levels. Businesses should adopt decarbonisation strategies such as:

Sourcing materials from low-carbon economies
Promoting advanced technologies (e.g., cadmium telluride panels over silicon)
Recycling wind turbine components post-use

Organisations can also reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions through energy efficiency, transitioning to renewables, and optimising travel policies.

Why is climate risk assessment crucial for renewable energy investments?

Renewable energy assets face risks like extreme heat, flooding, and wildfires, which can disrupt operations. Climate risk assessments, conducted pre-construction and periodically thereafter, help address vulnerabilities. Tools like TCFD and Jupiter Intelligence, Altitude and ThinkHazard! guide investors in identifying risks and implementing mitigation strategies.

How do regulations influence environmental management?

Laws like the EU SFDR demand disclosure of environmental impacts and carbon management plans. Investors must ensure compliance by directing companies to conduct assessments and create actionable sustainability strategies.

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Joost Notenboom

Joost Notenboom, a seasoned professional with experience in professional services, banking, investment, and funds management, is currently the Head of ESG & Sustainability at Omnes Capital, a French private equity firm focusing on energy transition and innovation, aiming to combine positive societal impact with attractive financial returns.

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