* Indicators marked with „*” was subject of a assurance engagement by an independent auditor.
[102-11], [103-3], [304-1], [304-2], [304-3], [304-4], [308-2], [413-1], [413-2]
Usually, Budimex is the general contractor of a given investment, which means that the formal responsibility for the project preparation is the responsibility of the investor who commissions the works. Therefore, the stage of public consultations and investment planning regarding environmental impact is also the responsibility of the investor and Budimex does not have a direct influence on the shape of the investment regarding its impact on the local community and natural environment. The environmental amenities usually involve the road routes around houses and animal crossings in accordance with their migration routes. It is also a standard to create ecotone areas in forests along routes, which are meant to provide protection to ecosystems in areas of high biodiversity. For instance, it can be a balk or a line of trees. Other important aspect of environmental protection in vicinity of investments involve drainage systems, noise absorbing panels. Budimex also executes contracts in which it serves as the designer and takes responsibility for preparation of the investment with optimal approach towards social and environmental issues. Whether we are both the designer and the contractor or just the contractor, the responsibility for the environmental impact has a considerable significance during execution of the investment and requires executing the highest diligence by our company and our subcontractors. The key concern here is preparation and organisation of construction sites and their facilities, plotting technical road construction and terrain modification so that they disturb the local inhabitants as little as possible. After the construction works are finished we care about recovering the terrain to its pre-construction state, if possible. Therefore, we secure the tree trunks and roots as well as animal and plant habitats from mechanical damage by heavy equipment beforehand. The so-called construction facilities: depots, warehouses and transportation bases are mainly localised in already developed and transformed areas, if possible. We also try to keep the construction site at a safe distance from inhabited areas. Materials and raw materials for use in a given investment are transported mostly along designated roads. Water bodies are secured from potential contamination by chemical substances, such as diesel oil from construction vehicles and machinery. We also exercise the same measures regarding potential groundwater contamination.
Despite implementing all these solutions, the terrain and flora in direct vicinity of the construction site is to some degree irreversibly destroyed, therefore, it is necessary to carry out so called compensatory replanting in order to make up for these losses. For instance, the surface of the soil (humus), which is often removed during construction works, is often reused at a later stage of the works, e.g., for reinforcing slopes and management of green areas. It is important that the soil used in the works was of local origin, devoid of seed species, which are alien to that area. Therefore, the biological balance is preserved. Another activity is the method of so called metaplantation, which involves moving the plants from the construction site to a new site of the same requirements and qualities. If during construction it is necessary to fill a small water body, it is carried out after collecting the amphibians, reptiles and birds that live there and moving them to a safe place. In 2017, we moved a total of 8549 amphibians, such as: pelobates fuscus, European fire-bellied toad, several species of toads, newts and frogs, 11 reptiles – sand lizards and 94 birds – sand martins.
These activities are accompanied by appropriate specialists, who monitor the situation, provide conclusions and recommendations. Also, naturalists, such as botanists, ichthyologists and dendrologists are involved. Most construction sites are subjected to environmental supervision, often as a result of environmental decisions and agreements with the Ordering party or is carried out per request of the management of the contract, even if there is no legal obligation to do so. This is the implementation of the precautionary principle by Budimex.
The construction works schedule is closely related with the natural cycles and sometimes the works are postponed for the duration of the migration of forest animals, amphibians or fish, or during the breeding season of birds. If the works are carried out in the vicinity of areas protected from noise, the works are only performed during daytime or the utilisation of machinery with combustion engines is minimised. All works comply with legal requirements, including those regarding Natura 2000 areas. An environmental inspection of the area of influence and habitats within a given area is also carried out, and after the project is finished environmental observation is carried out. For all investments, which may potentially significantly affect the surrounding environment, a report on the environmental influence is prepared, in accordance with applicable provisions of the law. The report involves experts from various fields, such as ornithology, herpetology, botany, etc. The reports lists potential risks and recommended solutions, which will lead to the optimal manner of dealing with the consequences of a given investment,
[102-11], [306-3], [308-1]
Not only the organisation but, most importantly, the activity within construction sites is important for satisfying the environmental requirements. Apart from legal regulations, requirements regarding Budimex’s contractors are also designated in the Contractor’s Code, which commits them to implement Budimex Group standards in that regard and to respect legal norms and environmental decisions regarding a given investment site. Environmental requirements are contained in the Annex to the contract: “Requirements related to environmental protection”. One of the standards in force at Budimex Group construction sites is to have a so called environmental first aid kit, which is a kit for the purpose of swift containment and removal of substances harmful to the environment, such as oil, petroleum products. The kits are placed in marked places and the information concerning their location known to the workers. In accordance with the precautionary principle, any contamination is treated as a threat to the environment until its type and source are determined. Additionally, the supervisory personnel of a given construction site receives training involving environmental protection while the rest of the workers take part in periodic training courses “Training on OHS Management and Environmental Protection on a contract”. Each subcontractor entering a construction site receives appropriate training in procedures applicable in the field of environmental protection and rules of conduct in the event of failure. Their equipment is also subjected to technical condition assessment.
[306-3], [307-1]
As part of implementation of the Policy, the Environmental Protection Team, which carries out inspection and audits regarding compliance with the environmental protection rules on executed contracts. In 2017, no incidents or environmental malfunctions occurred, which could result in harm to the environment. No fines or others sanctions were imposed on Budimex Group due to violation of environmental regulations. Thanks to the monitoring, small leaks and irregularities involving fuel tanking in Budimex SA were discovered, which did not have a significant impact on the environment.[1]
[103-3], [308-2]
In 2017, 1019 suppliers (100%) were subjected to pre-qualification and 3068 final evaluations were made, which involved environmental aspects as well. Problems concerning this area were identified in 12 cases. The Ethics Commission, in turn, received no notification concerning violation of environmental protection. Risks associated with problems regarding subcontractors usually involve contamination of soil and water with petroleum products, paints and solvents. It is closely related with skills of the subcontractors’ employees regarding servicing of the equipment and good technical condition of the machinery. In order to avoid such situations, as mentioned above, subcontractors are provided with training regarding environmental procedures before entering the construction site.
[1] Due to the minor scale of leakages it is not possible to estimate their sizes (in terms of fuel volumes). The leakage occurred in Żmigród during performance of 2D3A “S5 expressway construction along Korzeńsko-Widawa section” contract.
