Scoping report on environmental reporting for GINGR's renewables and grid sector

GINGR (the Global Initiative for Nature, Grids and Renewables) is a collaboration between IUCN and the Renewables Grid Initiative (RGI) working to accelerate a nature- and people-positive energy transition. Through an industry-supported, government-endorsed monitoring and reporting framework, GINGR aims to ensure that the rapid global build-out of wind, solar and grid infrastructure supports climate goals without compromising biodiversity or community wellbeing.

GINGR (Global Initiative for Nature, Grids and Renewables) commissioned The Biodiversity Consultancy (TBC) to review the global environmental reporting requirements and practices for biodiversity and nature in the renewables and grid sector, with a particular focus on offshore wind, and benchmark these against global Nature-Positive ambitions as set out in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).

Our approach

TBC reviewed biodiversity and nature-related regulatory, voluntary and lender-driven reporting frameworks and standards relevant to the renewables and grids sectors, with a particular focus on offshore wind. The assessment examined how these frameworks address five priority environmental topics for the sector and evaluated their alignment with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). In parallel, interviews with energy companies and engagement with financial institutions provided insights into practical reporting challenges, data constraints, and emerging Nature Positive expectations. These findings were used to identify key gaps and opportunities for a sector-wide Nature-Positive reporting roadmap.

Outcomes

The report mapped the biodiversity and nature reporting landscape for the renewables and grids sector, identifying areas of strong alignment alongside key gaps in the coverage of Nature-Positive priorities. The review highlighted inconsistencies across reporting frameworks, challenges faced by industry in implementing biodiversity disclosures, and opportunities to improve alignment with the Global Biodiversity Framework.

To support uptake and awareness, GINGR published a summary version of the report and, in partnership with TBC, delivered a public webinar sharing the key findings.

The findings have helped to inform GINGR’s next phase of work in this area: the development of a Nature-Positive reporting Navigator for the sector. The Navigator is intended to support more easier engagement with project developer reporting obligations through shared terminology, guidance on priority topics, improved alignment with global biodiversity goals, and closer engagement with industry and financial stakeholders.