Case Studies

All businesses depend on nature and its services, whether through direct operations or their value chains. This means every sector is exposed to nature risk, either directly or indirectly, due to reliance of economic activities on the stock of natural capital and the ecosystem services that flow from it. 

As part of the SUSTAIN– Strengthening Understanding and Strategies of Business to Assess and Integrate Nature – project, three insightful new sectoral case study documents of agri-food, built environment and energy systems, highlight practical insights around how companies are identifying and assessing their nature-related issues, building upon established frameworks and guidelines (such as the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) LEAP (Locate, Evaluate, Assess, Prepare) approach, the Roadmaps to Nature Positive, etc.) as well as the essential role the systems they operate in play, to contribute to the global goal for nature. 

Each document aligns with the High-level Business Actions on Nature to Assess, Commit, Transform, and Disclose (ACT-D) framework, emphasizing the importance of the initial step, Assess. This focus helps companies address nature-related dependencies, impacts, risks, and opportunities (DIROs) systematically, setting them on a path to contribute to the global goal for nature: to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030 and achieve full recovery by 2050. 

Dive into the details of the case study documents to find out more on typical dependencies, impacts and risks on nature for the respective systems and 8 company nature journeys.  

• The ‘Why’: the rationale to act on nature as a private sector company.
• The ‘What’: use of tools, and alignment with relevant frameworks, standards and disclosure schemes.
• The ‘How: identification and assessment, as well as commitment and action on nature-related issues with practical examples.

Energy System

This document presents case studies from three energy companies – Iberdrola, Equinor, and CLP – showcasing their unique approaches to integrating nature-related considerations into their operations. By exploring these case studies, companies in the energy sector can gain inspiration and guidance on how to begin assessing and managing their environmental impacts effectively. This document can support sustainability and nature teams within companies, civil society organizations, and financial institutions investing in the energy sector. Read the case studies here.

Agri-Food System

This document features case studies from Nutrien and Olam Agri and offers insights into how two agri-food companies from different value chain stages are tackling nature-related issues. By aligning their strategies with the ACT-D framework, these companies demonstrate the diverse approaches that can be adopted by others in the sector. This resource is aimed at sustainability teams, civil society organizations, and financial institutions focused on the agri-food industry, providing them with the knowledge to understand and manage nature-related risks and opportunities. Read the case studies here.

Built Environment System

In this document, case studies from Sacyr, Holcim, and AECOM with technical support of Nature-based Insights are showcased, each detailing their journey to identify and assess their nature-related issues and taking action. These examples highlight the various methods and practices that can be employed to address nature-related dependencies and impacts in the built environment and is aimed at sustainability teams, civil society organizations, and financial institutions involved in the built environment sector. Read the case studies here.

Integrating nature risks into decision-making: the study of the Dutch Central Bank

This study aims to showcase the work of DNB on nature, sending a clear signal that central banks can play an influential role and act as a catalyst in transitioning to a nature positive economy. In the process the study helps readers understand why and how nature loss should be addressed by societal actors, particularly financial institutions and businesses. Read the case studies here.

Lessons from business and finance on assessing and acting on nature-related issues

To delve deeper into these sectorial business case documents, and gain insights from companies and industry experts on their journey to tackle nature-related challenges, below you can find the recordings from the webinars held in September 2024.

Session 1: Agri-food, built environment and financial sectors in focus
Introduction & context 
10′ Dutch Central Bank‘s case study on nature-related risks 
22′ Olam Agri sharing about their nature assessment process and actions (agri-food) 
31′ Nature-based Insights sharing their work with AECOM on nature assessment through the TNFD LEAP Pilot project (built environment) 
42′ Panel discussion and Q&A with the speakers around lessons learned from the process of nature assessments
01.17′ Insights on ENCORE tool updates and the upcoming SUSTAIN webinars 

Session 2: Energy, built environment, and financial sectors in focus 
Introduction & context 
9′ Dutch Central Bank‘s case study on nature-related risks 
20′ Sacyr sharing about their nature assessment process through TNFD LEAP approach (built environment) 
28′ Iberdrola sharing about their nature journey and assessment stage (energy)  
42′ Holcim explaining their comprehensive nature approach with focus on risk assessment (built environment) 
52′ Panel discussion and Q&A with the speakers on lessons learned from the process of nature assessments
01.22′ Insights on ENCORE tool updates and the upcoming SUSTAIN webinars