Implementation of CSRD and the EU Taxonomy - Aarsleff Group

The construction and civil engineering sector is one of the most complex when it comes to sustainability management. The sector faces significant environmental impacts, including those related to climate, circularity, and biodiversity, as well as social impacts like subcontractor management and governance impacts. Additionally, there are typically numerous EU Taxonomy activities that a construction and civil engineering group may be eligible to report on.

Headquartered in Denmark, the Aarsleff Group operates across Northern Europe and employs over 8,000 people.

Since 2022, Ramboll Management Consulting has been supporting the Aarsleff Group in implementing ESG initiatives. Ramboll has served as both an analytical partner in relation to the CSRD and the EU Taxonomy, and as an implementation partner for the Aarsleff Group.

The EU Taxonomy as a strategic decision-making parameter

A construction and civil engineering group is inherently project-based. Every project must be financed, planned, and executed. The EU Taxonomy is a central decision-making parameter in such projects, as it serves as a new key benchmark for the project's sustainability. Consequently, we have delivered the following results:

• An overview of eligible activities concerning the EU Taxonomy
• Screening in relation to alignment
• Identification of gaps to achieve higher alignment
• Development of tools to enhance alignment, such as climate risk and vulnerability assessments
• Implementation of minimum safeguards within the group
• Integration of the EU Taxonomy in the various phases of Aarsleff Group's projects
• Reporting on the EU Taxonomy itself

New sustainability reporting for the Aarsleff Group

The CSRD will set entirely new standards for transparency around sustainability performance. Addressing material impacts will become a crucial competitive parameter for construction and civil engineering groups moving forward. However, this requires thorough implementation efforts, and Ramboll has delivered the following for the Aarsleff Group:

• Conducting a double materiality assessment for the entire group
• Identifying gaps in future reporting
• Developing a plan for implementing CSRD and the associated policies, action plans, and data points within the group
• Support in setting up the implementation program
• Specific assistance and support for selected elements within key environmental, social, and governance standards

As a large and complex group, the Aarsleff Group will face challenges in implementing the EU Taxonomy and CSRD for some time. However, at Ramboll, we look forward to continuing our future support and collaboration as a sustainability implementation partner for the Aarsleff Group