URB-D.03.A - Protected Area Operational Sites Disclosure
Does the company report on the operational sites owned, leased, managed in or adjacent to protected areas?
About the data
The WBA Urban Benchmark measures and ranks the world's most influential companies on their efforts to shape sustainable, inclusive and resilient urban environments, tracking how companies address essential urban needs while respecting planetary boundaries across dimensions including decent work and human rights, environmental and climate impacts, social inclusion, and sustainability leadership. The 2026 edition assessed 300 companies across four key industries shaping urban environments: real estate, construction and engineering, transport, and utilities. Companies were scored on 24 urban-specific indicators plus 18 core social indicators, spanning four measurement areas: sustainable governance, inclusive cities, healthy cities, and climate change and resilient cities. The benchmark is designed to incentivise the private sector to take adequate responsibility for its role in ensuring affordable, safe and inclusive urban environments for all. More information can be found here.
Methodology
The rapid growth of urban populations can have significant impacts on natural ecosystems,
given their relationship with urban area expansion. Urban developments need to be approached in a
balanced manner, by considering the need for new developments next to the conservation of natural
ecosystems. To minimise their footprint across all relevant ecosystems, companies must refrain from
operating in protected areas and minimise the conversion of natural ecosystems, including those that
lack formal protection status. To this end, companies can prioritise locating facilities in areas with
existing infrastructure, infill development, repurposing brownfield sites and adopting smart urban
planning strategies that preserve green spaces. Furthermore, companies should engage in transparent
and responsible land use practices, such as avoiding deforestation and protecting natural habitats.
Research Guidance
The company must disclose the following information in the reporting year:
- The geographical location of its operational sites within or adjacent to protected areas or areas of high biodiversity value.
- The name of the protected areas or areas of high biodiversity value where its operations are located in or adjacent to.
The data must cover the company's entire operations.
If the company reports that none of its operations are located in or adjacent to protected areas and areas of high biodiversity value, they must disclose the methodology or tool used to determine this.
Protected areas refer to areas of land, sea or fresh water which have been identified as important for biodiversity. High biodiversity areas refer to areas recognized for important biodiversity features by international conservation or other governmental and non-governmental organisations. Examples of standards, lists and guidance to identify those areas include:
- protected areas on national, regional, and international lists
- biodiversity hotspots / key biodiversity areas
- IUCN Protected Area Management Categories
- Ramsar Convention
- UNESCO Heritage (natural criteria)
- IUCN Green List
- areas of high biodiversity value and High Conservation Value Areas
given their relationship with urban area expansion. Urban developments need to be approached in a
balanced manner, by considering the need for new developments next to the conservation of natural
ecosystems. To minimise their footprint across all relevant ecosystems, companies must refrain from
operating in protected areas and minimise the conversion of natural ecosystems, including those that
lack formal protection status. To this end, companies can prioritise locating facilities in areas with
existing infrastructure, infill development, repurposing brownfield sites and adopting smart urban
planning strategies that preserve green spaces. Furthermore, companies should engage in transparent
and responsible land use practices, such as avoiding deforestation and protecting natural habitats.
Research Guidance
The company must disclose the following information in the reporting year:
- The geographical location of its operational sites within or adjacent to protected areas or areas of high biodiversity value.
- The name of the protected areas or areas of high biodiversity value where its operations are located in or adjacent to.
The data must cover the company's entire operations.
If the company reports that none of its operations are located in or adjacent to protected areas and areas of high biodiversity value, they must disclose the methodology or tool used to determine this.
Protected areas refer to areas of land, sea or fresh water which have been identified as important for biodiversity. High biodiversity areas refer to areas recognized for important biodiversity features by international conservation or other governmental and non-governmental organisations. Examples of standards, lists and guidance to identify those areas include:
- protected areas on national, regional, and international lists
- biodiversity hotspots / key biodiversity areas
- IUCN Protected Area Management Categories
- Ramsar Convention
- UNESCO Heritage (natural criteria)
- IUCN Green List
- areas of high biodiversity value and High Conservation Value Areas
License
Topics
Framework Mappings
Value Type
Category
Options
Yes
No
Assessment
Steward Assessed
Report Type
Aggregate Data Report