2021 Owens Corning Sustainability Report | Reducing Our Environmental Footprint | Protecting Biodiversity | 191 Biodiversity Management Plan Our management plan starts with a complete location screening for all sites, followed by impact assessments for sites with proximity to Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs). Once assessments are complete, we can develop mitigation strategies as needed. The sites listed in the chart on page 197 have completed Step 1 of the biodiversity management plan, in which we determine a site’s proximity to a KBA. Sites that are determined to be within a KBA’s boundaries are prioritized to assess potential adverse impact, and plans are being established to assess the remaining sites. Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool In 2020, we began using the Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool (IBAT), a web-based mapping and reporting instrument developed and maintained by the IBAT Alliance (BirdLife International, Conservation International, IUCN, and UN Environment World Conservation Monitoring Centre). It is designed to help users make informed, data-driven decisions in their biodiversity policies and practices. IBAT provides us with access to the following global biodiversity datasets: ■ IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. ■ IUCN Species Threat Abatement and Recovery (STAR) metric. ■ World Database on Protected Areas. ■ World Database of Key Biodiversity Areas. Through IBAT, we are able to upload site coordinates and receive information about a facility’s proximity to nationally and regionally protected sites and key bird and biodiversity areas, as well as the extent to which there are endangered or threatened species in the vicinity. Protected and Key Biodiversity Areas To evaluate and report on the biodiversity risks of our locations, Owens Corning assesses exposure to protected and highly valued areas in close proximity to each site. Owens Corning has processes for measuring our locations’ proximity to protected and important areas for biodiversity, which have been strengthened through the implementation of physical screenings tools using the IBAT tool. This includes many Owens Corning Paroc sites that are located within five miles of protected areas listed by Natura 2000, whose network covers 18% of the EU’s terrestrial area. Through our due diligence and our annual assessment processes, Owens Corning identifies new biodiversity exposures, and we engage in campaigns to raise awareness and activities around these sites, as well as their respective biodiversity-related impacts. In addition, we strive to ensure that our impacts are well-understood and managed. This includes new acquisitions such as vliepa GmbH, which Owens Corning acquired in 2021 and whose sites were screened for exposures. Level advances over time/with demonstr ated need Mitigation Action s 1 2 3 Adverse Impac t Assessment Physical Pr oximity to Biodiversity Areas Assessment Collaboration with Other Organizations Owens Corning relies on the guidance of a number of organizations around the world as we work to develop strategies that will protect biodiversity. Biodiversity Impact Assessments with the Wildlife Habitat Council Owens Corning works with third-party nonprofit organizations to conduct Biodiversity Impact Assessments, designed to help us address adverse impacts as part of our Biodiversity Management Plan. One of our key partners is the Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC), an organization dedicated to promoting and certifying habitat conservation and management on corporate lands. In conjunction with the WHC, we are developing bespoke methodologies to consistently assess our impacts at our locations around the world. Our initial assessments will be conducted in early 2022, and they will include actionable recommendations for sites as they work to improve conditions for local species. In addition to these assessments, Owens Corning also partners with WHC to develop a range of initiatives that empower sites to proactively protect species in ways that are aligned with best practices. Their guidance has proven invaluable as we have initiated a range of projects and maintained native habitats at a number of Owens Corning sites, including the restoration of native habitats such as prairie lands and the installation of bird boxes, bat boxes, and pollinator gardens. In addition, we have held a series of activities and programs over the years, designed to engage employees and call attention to the nature projects and features at our locations. Following the recertification process in 2020, which includes assessments of our grounds and biodiversity programs, our world headquarters in Toledo, Ohio, U.S., was awarded WHC Gold Certification. Our Science & Technology Center in Granville, Ohio was awarded WHC Gold Certification in February 2022.