We asked three questions for Isabelle Spiegel, VINCI Vice-President, Environment.
How does VINCI build its adaptation strategy to address climate change and its consequences?
As a transport infrastructure concession holder, VINCI is required to adopt a long‑term perspective, as our contracts often span several decades. Since 2017, we have initiated, with Leonard, a foresight approach focused on climate resilience. We have also developed ResiLens, a tool for visualising and pre‑diagnosing the criticality of infrastructure in relation to climate risks. More than 200 employees have been trained on these topics.
Only a systemic, multi-stakeholder approach grounded in a deep understanding of the territory ensures the effectiveness of an adaptation strategy. Flood forecasting is a good example – it is addressed on a watershed scale using simulation tools such as CaledonIA, developed within the Group.
Adaptation, in the long run, is a matter of anticipation. Given the uncertainties surrounding climate evolution, how do you choose a credible scenario?
There is a real need to share methodologies so that all stakeholders can act consistently.
In France, the new National Climate Change Adaptation Plan (PNACC-3) is based on the assumption of a +4°C average temperature increase by 2100. This provides a useful framework for cooperation among public authorities, local governments, private actors, and insurers to design new economic models for adaptation.
There are about ten countries worldwide that already have similar adaptation plans; the United Kingdom published its third climate adaptation plan in 2023, and Colombia is also highly committed to adaptation, as well as biodiversity preservation.
Once risks are identified within the framework of shared scenarios, how do you take action?
The VINCI Group is committed to providing solutions! Internally, we have compiled a catalog of 75 solutions for climate adaptation. One example I particularly appreciate is the creation of urban cooling islands, illustrating the need for urban centres to adapt and the essential collaboration between public and private sectors to reinvent urban planning. Revilo, which won the Grand Prize of the VINCI 2024 Environment Awards, contributes, with its expertise, in combining soil de-impermeabilization, rainwater re‑infiltration, and greening efforts.
“A good adaptation strategy begins with a systemic vision of the challenges within its territory.”
This article is taken from our Yearbook 2025: “Shaping solutions”.
Read the yearbook 2025: « Shaping solutions »
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