The materials wasted during construction, operation, and decommissioning constitutes a negative impact. In general, we see two complementary pathways to address waste generation that we must work on simultaneously. Firstly, we must consider if our waste generation can be avoided in the first place, by addressing the challenges at their root cause. This is done as we work to design our assets with minimal reliance on the use of a specific material, for example by switching non-recyclable content with more recyclable content to allow for proper waste treatment. At the same time, we need to ensure that waste is diverted from disposal by enhancing sorting and collection processes as well as supporting the maturation of reuse and recycling markets for our components and materials.

Processes to identify and assess material impacts, risks, and opportunities include screening of assets as part of our DMA to understand impacts, risks, and opportunities across the value chain. We have not undertaken direct consultations with affected communities as part of the screening. We apply life cycle assessments (LCAs) for enhanced insights into impacts related to the use and depletion of virgin materials. We have calculated the recyclability rate of materials in offshore wind farms to understand recycling potential.

Policies related to resource use and circular economy include a 'Resource management policy' to minimize the use and depletion of virgin resources by developing circular value chains with suppliers. A 'Waste management policy' addresses negative impacts of materials wasted, outlining waste management processes and providing definitions for waste management assurance.

Key actions related to resource inflows involve a quantitative breakdown of key materials used in renewable energy assets, engaging with key suppliers on decarbonisation matters, and sourcing more scrap steel to increase lower-emissions steel usage.

Key actions related to resource outflows focus on addressing waste generation during construction, operation, and decommissioning by designing assets with minimal reliance on specific materials and ensuring waste is diverted from disposal by enhancing sorting and collection processes. Transition pieces for offshore wind farms are made from recyclable materials to increase recyclability rates.