NextEnergy Group has launched a standalone Nature Strategy with clear targets to protect and restore nature, setting a new benchmark for driving dual action on nature and climate.
Nature is key to the group’s prosperity. Despite the ambitious Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF), nature continues to deteriorate rapidly, and current efforts fall short of achieving the goals of the Framework. Urgent, more effective action is needed to meet them.
NextEnergy Group has pioneered biodiversity initiatives and solutions on their solar sites since 2014. The company co-creates optimal outcomes for clean energy and nature as its activities encompass all stages of the asset lifecycle: development, financing and asset management activities.
Building on the lessons learned from environmental management activities over the last 20 years, NextEnergy Group’s new Nature Strategy establishes a science-based and evidence-led thread to unite our core companies’ future nature-related activities. It is designed to avoid and manage nature-related risks while opening opportunities to create and capture value from the evolving nature markets.
The strategy establishes clear commitments that are aligned with emerging global standards, such as the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), the Science-Based Targets Network (SBTN), the Capitals Coalition ACT-D framework and the KM-GBF. The core components of the Group’s Nature Strategy include commitments to strong nature-related governance, evidence-led action plans, use of science-based targets, and ongoing transparent disclosures.
Key targets set out in the strategy include:
- No Conversion of Natural Ecosystems: an SBTN-aligned commitment to prevent the material loss of natural ecosystems in direct operations and supply chains;
- Responsible Land Use Target: to ensure the Group remains a responsible land steward across its assets, implementing nature management plans and prioritising dual land-use regimes;
- 30×30 Nature Restoration Target: to restore natural ecosystems in the regions where the Group operates and which need support; and
- Supply Chain Transparency and Sustainability: to ensure that the resources we depend on are sourced responsibly and in a transparent manner.
Since its inception, NextEnergy Group has specialised in the solar sector. As the energy transition accelerates, and the Group’s activities evolve into these new renewable energy technologies, the Nature Strategy will develop and expand to continue leading the transition to renewable energy and the broader sustainable investment sphere.
Giulia Guidi, Head of ESG, NextEnergy Group, commented: “Early in our journey, we realised that financed, developed and harnessed in the right way, renewable energy is an investment strategy that can mitigate climate change, protect biodiversity, and minimise nature loss. I am excited to launch this Strategy – it is a critical step in translating what we know about nature into action.”
Hing Kin Lee, Group Lead for Nature, NextEnergy Group added: “The urgent need to address the interconnected crises of climate change and biodiversity loss has never been clearer. Our Nature Strategy serves as a practical roadmap, guiding the steps we are taking to achieve a nature positive future. As leaders in the solar and sustainable finance industries, we are committed to driving transformative change while unlocking new opportunities for long-term value creation.”
