VINCI takes part in the COP27 global climate summit

21 November 2022 - Sustainability - Egypt

The 27th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27) took place in the Egyptian city of Sharm el-Sheikh from 6 to 18 November. Represented by Environment Director Isabelle Spiegel, VINCI presented its climate commitments and initiatives over a three-day period.

VINCI deemed it important to take part in this year’s summit for a number of reasons. Firstly, it was being held in Africa, where the Group has been operating for decades and employs over 15,000 people. Secondly, as Isabelle Spiegel puts it, “it forms part of the movement of companies that not only make pledges but are keen to take action to bring about the environmental transition”.

The discussions in which Isabelle Spiegel and Karim Selouane – former VINCI intrapreneur and founder of Resallience – took part from 15 to 17 November focused on three key items on the official agenda for the event:

· the necessity to turn pledges to reduce greenhouse gas emissions into action;
· increased funding for climate change adaptation;
· matters relating to loss and damage associated with climate change (i.e. wealthy countries supporting vulnerable countries).

The focus was on energy on 15 November, when discussions turned to the role of the construction industry in the energy transition as regards energy efficiency, energy conservation and decarbonisation. VINCI seized the opportunity to shine a spotlight on its Rehaskeen® thermal insulation solution for buildings and low-carbon energy generation facilities, such as the solar power plants being installed at airports across its network. The Group also spoke about hydrogen. According to Isabelle Spiegel, “Low-carbon hydrogen production capacity needs to be scaled up at least sixfold by 2050”.

The round table held on 16 November focused on synergies between the public and private sectors, i.e. how private-sector stakeholders contribute to public-sector decisions and deliberations. For instance, VINCI Immobilier has committed to “zero net land take” by 2030 (article available in French only), 20 years earlier than the deadline set by the French Climate and Resilience Law.

Lastly, the conferences held on 17 November looked at solutions. The first conference – opened by the French ambassador to Egypt and the Egyptian Minister for Transport – focused on low-carbon transport, while the second one – opened by the French Minister for the Energy Transition – covered the decarbonisation of the construction industry.

Check out the video of Isabelle Spiegel presenting VINCI solutions.