Strategic report
Governance
Financial statements
60 OCU Group Annual report and financial statements 2026
Environment continued
Build with nature in mind OCU integrates biodiversity into design and delivery to minimise ecological impact and, where possible, improve nature. This supports ecosystem resilience and responds to regulation and client expectations. Our approach covers biodiversity enhancement, habitat restoration and nature-positive outcomes. Conservation partnerships and environmental stewardship support measurable benefits for nature and local communities. Key achievements in FY26 Delivering Biodiversity Net Gain: OCU successfully designed, constructed and commissioned the 150 MW Ferrybridge battery energy storage system (BESS) in West Yorkshire on a 2.3-hectare brownfield site formerly occupied by the Ferrybridge coal-fired power station. Ecological enhancements including wildflower meadow creation, native tree planting and invasive species management are forecast to deliver 5.41 habitat units, achieving a 16% Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and demonstrating how major energy infrastructure can contribute positively to local ecosystems. Species management: We continually look to minimise our impact on protected species. For example, while carrying out emergency works for United Utilities in North Wales, we came across Palmate newts in our excavation. Working with specialist ecologists we were able to rescue 27 newts, successfully dewater the excavation without any being harmed and take preventative measures to ensure further amphibians could not enter the excavation.
Looking ahead to FY27 • continue to embed Biodiversity Net Gain considerations into project planning, design and delivery processes across the Group; • expanding partnerships with conservation
Protecting natural assets through innovation: As part of our street works activities, OCU regularly undertakes excavations in close proximity to mature trees. To minimise the risk of damage to tree root systems, we have adopted vacuum excavation technology combined with air lances on our Northern Powergrid projects. This non-invasive approach enables the safe removal of soil while preserving critical root structures, reducing environmental impact and supporting biodiversity. The use of this best-practice methodology has been positively recognised by local authority representatives, demonstrating OCU’s commitment to responsible project delivery, environmental stewardship and collaborative stakeholder engagement. Strengthening conservation partnerships: We continued to deepen our long-standing relationship with the Berks, Bucks & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT), supporting biodiversity initiatives through both strategic partnership and employee volunteering. During FY26, OCU employees contributed 168 volunteer hours to environmental education and habitat enhancement activities at the Sutton Courtenay Environmental Education Centre. This generated £3,722 of social value while supporting the preparation and maintenance of facilities used for future educational visits.
organisations, ecological specialists and local communities to maximise environmental outcomes;
• enhancing environmental governance, tools and training to support proactive stewardship and shared accountability; • identifying opportunities to deliver measurable biodiversity improvements alongside critical infrastructure projects; and • increasing employee engagement in
conservation and volunteering initiatives that generate lasting environmental and social value.
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