Biodiversity Assessment
Analysis and measurement of impacts, dependencies, and risks on biodiversity compliant with ESRS - E4 standards and the TNFD framework
A clear understanding of biodiversity-related risks
The analysis of biodiversity and ecosystem-related risks and impacts considers factors such as land use, Mean Species Abundance (MSA), and proximity to protected areas. This approach shifts from a qualitative perception to a quantitative assessment of your company's impact on biodiversity.
XNatura’s biodiversity and ecosystem suite uses historical data, satellite mapping, and field sampling to identify the greatest risks associated with biodiversity loss and the most significant impacts your business may have on biodiversity and ecosystems.
Why is it important for your business?
With the new European regulations, alignment with ESRS standards - in particular ESRS E4 on Biodiversity and Ecosystems - is essential. XNatura enables you to assess impacts, dependencies and risks related to biodiversity and ecosystems, supporting strategic decision-making and ensuring compliance with reporting standards.
Compliance with ESRS standards
New European regulations require the collection of accurate data on biodiversity and ecosystem-related risks, impacts and dependencies. XNatura supports your company with monitoring and reporting to ensure compliance with ESRS E4 standards.
Biodiversity impact management
The ESRS E4 standard requires companies to develop strategies to mitigate the impact of their activities on biodiversity and ecosystems. XNatura can help your company identify risks and define targeted actions to reduce the environmental impact of your business operations.
Impact of biodiversity loss on profit & loss
XNatura translates the risks associated with biodiversity loss into economic metrics, highlighting the financial impact at a portfolio or asset level. By integrating into your workflows, it allows you to quickly and independently assess the impact of your activities on biodiversity.
Biodiversity and Ecosystems Suite Tools
XNatura's Biodiversity and Ecosystems Suite provides real-time data from satellites and field sensors to analyse impacts, risks and dependencies on biodiversity and ecosystems. In addition, a Nature Expert will assist your company in interpreting these data.
Land Use
We monitor land use by classifying different types of terrain based on human activities and vegetation cover. This indicator provides insights into the distribution of natural and anthropogenic habitats within the monitored area, supporting strategic decisions related to land management and biodiversity conservation. Data are derived from authoritative sources such as ESA World Cover and CLC (Corine) Land Cover.
Natural Habitat Coverage
We monitor natural habitat coverage to analyse the presence and extent of natural areas within the study area. This indicator provides information to help identify protected areas and areas that require interventions to prevent degradation. Data are derived from authoritative sources such as the Impact Observatory Annual LULC and Dominant Leaf Type.
Impermeable Land Report
We monitor the ratio of impervious to permeable soils to assess the ability of the land to absorb water and support vegetation. This indicator provides key insights into flood risk and the area's resilience to drought, enabling informed decisions on land management and urban planning. Data are derived from authoritative sources such as ESA World Cover, CLC (Corine) Land Cover, Impact Observatory Annual LULC, Dominant Leaf Type, Euro Cropmap and Lombardy Forest Type.
Quantity of trees
We monitor the number of trees within the study area to provide an insight into tree cover, highlighting the distribution of trees and the presence of both natural and anthropogenic habitats. This indicator supports strategic decisions on green management and conservation, using data from authoritative sources such as Euro Cropmap and Lombardy Forest Type.
Protected Areas
We monitor the extent and distance of protected areas from the site to assess the influence on local biodiversity. Protected areas are territories managed for the conservation of natural resources and biodiversity. Their proximity to the site can have a positive impact, but it is essential to also monitor the negative effects that human activity may generate on these sensitive areas. The data comes from the European Environmental Agency, which collects global information on protected areas managed for conservation.
Heat islands
Urban heat islands are measured by comparing surface temperatures between urban and rural areas using satellite data. Measurements include both daytime and nighttime readings to analyse differences in heat peaks and heat dissipation during the night. The collected data are processed to highlight temporal (days, seasons) and regional variations.
Mean Species Abundance (MSA)
We monitor Mean Species Abundance (MSA), an indicator of biodiversity integrity that measures the average abundance of species in the study area compared to undisturbed natural areas, taking into account land use. This indicator provides a clear picture of the impact of human activities on ecosystems and local biodiversity, using data from the Globio model.
At-risk species
We monitor endangered species, providing information on their conservation status and risk of extinction. This indicator, based on IUCN data, helps identify vulnerable species in the study area, supporting strategic decisions for biodiversity conservation and management.
Pollinator Status
We monitor the status of pollinators using key indicators based on InVEST data: relative abundance of pollinators: we measure the potential suitability of habitats for pollinators; nesting sites: we identify areas where nesting sites for pollinators can nest; floral availability: we visually represent the distribution and density of flowering vegetation, essential for pollinators; nectar potential: we monitor the amount of nectar produced by plant species in the reference area.
Spectrum
We monitor the abundance and types of pollinators in the study area using data from Spectrum technology, an IoT sensor that acts as an "electronic ear" by detecting sound waves emitted by pollinators during flight. The average hourly buzzes recorded by all Spectrum sensors at the site over the past year help support strategic decisions for ecosystem conservation and management.
Light pollution
We measure the intensity of light pollution caused by human infrastructure to analyse its impact on ecosystems and biodiversity. Excessive artificial light disrupts the natural cycles of flora and fauna, damaging vital habitats. The data collected support strategic decisions for biodiversity management and ecosystem protection.
Hydrogeological risk
We monitor the hydrogeological risk in the study area, evaluating it on a scale from 1 to 5. The index is calculated by analysing the intensity and frequency of flooding and flood events in the watershed from 1985 to the present, based on data from HydroBASINS and the Global Active Archive of Large Flood Events, in order to plan targeted risk management interventions.
Landslide and erosion risk
We monitor the risk of landslides and erosion, calculated based on historical events recorded since 1985, with a severity factor ranging from 1 to 2. This indicator ranges from 1 (minimum risk) to 5 (maximum risk), providing a detailed assessment of land vulnerability. The data, sourced from authoritative bodies such as ISPRA Ambiente and Gee Community, supports risk management planning and strategies.
Built-up area
We monitor the built-up area, which is the amount of land covered by buildings, roads, and infrastructure. This indicator provides a measure of human pressure on the environment and natural habitats, showing the degree of urbanisation in a given area. The data are derived from the Human Settlement source, offering valuable support in assessing environmental impact and land use planning.
Why choose XNatura?
Develop a comprehensive assessment, monitor and inventory biodiversity, nature, and climate with XNatura. We transform complex data into strategic insights by measuring impacts, risks, dependencies, and opportunities while ensuring compliance with ESRS standards.
European Sustainability Reporting Standards
XNatura is designed to be fully compliant with ESRS standards, using the TNFD's LEAP approach to ensure transparency in corporate sustainability reporting.
White papers and practical guides
Dive deeper into key topics related to biodiversity, climate, nature, and compliance issues by downloading XNatura’s free resources: white papers, practical guides, and informative materials designed to support your business.
Want to monitor risks, impacts, dependencies and opportunities related to nature, biodiversity and climate on a single platform? Start today with XNatura.
Companies that have chosen XNatura
Choosing XNatura means adopting an innovative, data-driven approach. This ensures transparency and full compliance with environmental regulations.
A35 Brebemi
Ilaria Napoli - Sustainability Manager
We are monitoring the impact of our assets on biodiversity, improving it through regeneration efforts such as the creation of our Oases, and increasing our impact by raising awareness among local students.
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Argor Heraeus
Angelo Rizzella - Sustainability Manager
With XNatura we are able to assess the impact of our clients, such as mines, on local ecosystems, understanding the levels of biodiversity degradation.
Parco delle Groane e della Brughiera Briantea
We are proud and happy to lead this important project as Parco delle Groane e della Brughiera Briantea, which once again sees us collaborating with leading Italian universities and organizations that have long been active in our region. Biodiversity is essential for our planet, and its loss is one of the most urgent emergencies we must address today.
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Cassa Centrale
Together with XNatura we are protecting and monitoring biodiversity through the Oases of the Cassa Centrale - Credito Cooperativo Italiano Group, where our goal is to promote projects that protect the natural environment and biodiversity.
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Harting
Through our collaboration with XNatura, we have deployed technological solutions to foster respect for nature and the ecosystem, creating sustainable value for future generations.
Mutti
The issue of biodiversity has always been central to the strategies of Mutti, whose business revolves entirely around a product of the earth, a symbol of Made in Italy in the world: the tomato. Precisely for this reason, within our Green Strategy, we have initiated a program of ecosystem restoration and rehabilitation, which starts from the very land where we have our production facilities. The collaboration with XNatura is therefore essential for us, in order to give scientific validation to our projects and help us in building a long-term strategy that will help us grow and bring increasing value to the environment.
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Foxy
Responsabile Marketing e Comunicazione
We are proud to work alongside XNatura's 3Bee project to monitor and regenerate biodiversity in Europe. We started by monitoring honeybees and are expanding the project to regeneration. Through communication on Foxy Love the Bee products and to consumers, we can help spread this awareness and do our part for a more sustainable planet.
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Findus
Ines Teixeira - Head of Marketing Veg Southern Europe
With XNatura, we are monitoring about 1.000 hectares of our supply chain aiming to understand the level of biodiversity and its relationship with our farms.
Leone Alato
Igor Boccardo - CEO
We decided to give priority to the natural capital of the Group by monitoring 16k ha. We are developing a long-term strategy to enhance the ecosystem services of our assets in collaboration with Generali Country Sustainability & Social Responsibility.
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Cherry Bank
Maddalena Ganz - Responsabile Marketing e Comunicazione
Respect is one of the core values of Cherry Bank's governance. This world is what we all have in common. Creativity, sensitivity, and innovation are needed to find a balance between new needs and respect for Nature's resources. It’s not the trees that will save the planet, but humankind.
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Cubico
Davide Romano - Head of Operations
We are deeply committed to protecting biodiversity and integrating sustainability into our projects. Our initiatives support wildlife, agriculture, and regenerative efforts, to create long-term impacts for a more sustainable future.
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XNatura
The first integrated platform to define and implement a comprehensive biodiversity, nature and climate strategy for companies, municipalities and nature parks, fully compliant with ESRS standards.
