Environmental Actions Taken in 2024

Polenergia focuses on sustainable development by combining the implementation of ecological and educational projects, collaboration with local communities, and environmental care in the context of its investments, taking into account the needs of both people and nature.

Polenergia supports municipalities and schools in implementing environmental initiatives primarily through the revitalization of green areas and the creation of green spaces within buildings.

In 2024, Polenergia funded 74 local environmental projects, such as educational campaigns, the purchase of trees, shrubs, ornamental plants, and elements of small architecture like insect and bird houses.

In the Krzęcin municipality (area of the Krzęcin Wind Farm), Polenergia funded the initiative “Zielono mi! – A Green Action for Objezierze,” which involved joint plantings with residents in the Mini Park in Objezierze.

The goal of these environmental projects is not only to improve the local state of nature but also to promote biodiversity and encourage communities to take action for the protection of nature.

As part of Polenergia Group’s employee volunteer program MAMY MOC!, three kayaking trips were organized with the goal of protecting rivers and aquatic ecosystems. The first Eco Rafting event took place on May 25, 2024, on the Liwiec River. The next two Eco Rafting events took place in September 2024 on the Tanew and Bug rivers. A total of 128 volunteers participated in the events, collecting approximately 250 kg of waste over a distance of around 45 km of rivers.

Due to the strong interest in the rafting events and their environmental value, Eco Rafting will continue in upcoming seasons. The first Eco Rafting event was described in more detail on the website: Eco Rafting – Together for Cleaner Rivers – ESG Service 

In 2024, over 400 kg of e-waste were collected from the offices of Polenergia Group companies. The collection has been organized since 2023 in collaboration with Asekol PL – the organization for the recovery of electrical and electronic equipment, and the Packaging Recovery Organization S.A.

As part of the collection, not only was used electrical and electronic equipment gathered, but also batteries and faulty IT equipment from the Group’s offices. Thanks to cooperation with a trusted partner, the e-waste will be dismantled with the maximum recovery of valuable materials and elements, such as lithium and gold, while preventing environmental pollution from harmful substances like mercury and lead.

In line with the main goal of the Polenergia Group’s ESG Strategy (E.5), which focuses on developing a due diligence system for biodiversity, Polenergia has developed a Biodiversity strategy of Polenergia Group that aligns with the European Union’s Biodiversity Strategy for 2030. The strategy was adopted in March 2024.

In 2024, Polenergia also adopted an Environmental and Social Policy aimed at establishing a coherent approach to managing the Group’s environmental and societal impact. The policy outlines actions focused on protecting and restoring the health of the natural environment, with particular emphasis on biodiversity.

Based on its best practices, Polenergia assesses and mitigates its impacts related to project implementation, and in line with good practice, it implements solutions that support local biodiversity at every stage of a project’s development.

The following diagram presents the key documents that describe the highest level of diligence in Polenergia’s approach to making a positive environmental impact and minimizing negative environmental effects:

During the planning and implementation of projects, the Polenergia Group places particular emphasis on environmental protection. The selection of project locations is preceded by an environmental analysis, as well as pre-construction monitoring of birds and bats in the case of Wind Farms, and environmental inventory in the case of each developed project. The construction phase is supervised by environmental experts with extensive experience.

Environmental supervision also serves as the basis for preparing tailored local support and biodiversity restoration projects, including meadow ecosystems. As a result, Polenergia’s projects are aligned with local environmental conditions, supporting the development of native plant and animal species identified by experts. During the operational phase, Wind Farms are subject to multi-year monitoring of birds and bats, while Photovoltaic Farms undergo post-construction environmental inventory.

During the environmental supervision conducted at the Szprotawa Photovoltaic Farm site from March to November 2024, a total of 20 inspections were carried out.

A particular focus should be given to the series of actions taken at the Strzelino Photovoltaic Farm. These include sowing meadows, planting shrubs, creating a habitat— a stone mound serving as shelter for small reptiles and amphibians, as well as installing nesting boxes for birds. These activities have been described in detail on the website: Biodiversity at the Strzelino Photovoltaic Farm – ESG Service

Polenergia Group has embarked on an innovative collaboration with scientists from the University of Zielona Góra, who conducted over a year of environmental research focused on observing the flora and fauna at the Sulechów Photovoltaic Farm Complex.

The study extensively analyzed the vegetation within the complex, as well as selected insect groups, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and emerging mammals, including bats. This research continued previous observations that started in December 2021. The fieldwork was specifically aimed at assessing how various species of animals use the land, with particular attention to wintering birds of prey and protected invertebrates. The study also considered changes in land use by comparing the conditions before and after the construction of the Photovoltaic Farm Complex.

The goal of this work was to examine how the farm area is utilized by living organisms and to compare biodiversity development with adjacent areas.

The annual research conducted by scientists from the University of Zielona Góra, spanning from April 2023 to April 2024, focused on monitoring and analyzing the use of infrastructure elements at the Sulechów Photovoltaic Farm Complex by birds of prey. In 2024, Polenergia installed two special observation posts for raptors on the farm’s premises, specifically designed for the local populations of buzzards and owls. These tall “T”-shaped structures are the highest elements on the Sulechów Photovoltaic Farm and provide crucial support for flying predators. They allow the birds to save energy that would otherwise be expended on active patrol flights.

The results of the field studies will be presented in a scientific publication on supporting biodiversity on large-scale photovoltaic farms, accompanied by a best practice code, using PV Sulechów as an example. In 2025, researchers from the University of Zielona Góra will continue their studies on insects at the Sulechów Photovoltaic Farm Complex.

The 2024 season of the Active Meadow Harrier Protection Programme brought further successes in efforts to protect this exceptional predator species. In the vicinity of the Łukaszów, Modlikowice, and Kostomłoty Wind Farms in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship, ornithologists located 14 meadow’s harrier nests on agricultural fields and meadows, of which 7 were secured against predators and agricultural machinery. These efforts yielded impressive results—30 chicks were ringed, enabling continued monitoring of their migration and fate.

Additionally, this year’s program also discovered 2 nests of the short-eared owl, which, like the montagu’s harrier, nests on open land and agricultural fields. One of the nests was secured, and 8 young owls were ringed in total. Since the program’s inception in 2014, a total of 136 meadow’s harrier chicks have been protected. More details about the Active Meadow Harrier Protection Programme can be found on the website: Meadow Harrier Conservation. Summary of the 2024 season. – ESG Service

Polenergia Group boasts best practices in supporting local communities in undertaking environmental protection projects. We also engage our employees in numerous ecological initiatives, ensuring that their involvement contributes to building ecological awareness.

Moreover, we responsibly monitor ecosystems before and during project implementation to ensure that our investments do not harm the environment. After project completion, we continue their oversight. These actions serve as a good example of environmental responsibility. They can inspire businesses on the path to building a sustainable future for generations to come.