Electric Utilities Sector Supplement - Global Reporting Initiative

Indicator Protocols Set: SO
IP
&
EUSS
EU20: Approach to managing the
impacts of displacement
1. Relevance
The construction or expansion of electricity utility
infrastructure can result in the displacement of local
residents. Affected people can experience loss of
livelihoods, breakdown of social networks, and loss of
access, among other impacts.
It is also recognized that other players (e.g. governments,
banks, etc) are responsible for displacements, in addition
to Electric Utilities.
2. Compilation
2.1 Report the approach taken by the reporting
organization, including:
• Identification of affected people;
• The legal context and the approach taken to
address involuntary and consensual physical and
economic displacement ;
• Assessment of psychological and social impacts to
individuals and communities affected;
• Discussion of how the organization is looking to
avoid displacement and how alternatives are being
considered;
• Nature of consultation, e.g., formal role of local
people in consultation and participation in
decision-making processes;
• Preparation of resettlement plan and budget
within a specific timeframe, and mechanisms to
evaluate implementation;
• Compensation and other assistance for
resettlement including comparison with priorliving
standards;
• Grievance mechanisms to address concerns about
compensation and relocation or resettlement;
• Programs for communities to ensure their social
and cultural identities are protected, this is
particularly important for indigenous peoples; and
• Describe which players (e.g. governments, banks,
etc) the organization is working with and how
responsibilities relating to displacement are shared.
3. Definitions
Compensation
Compensation could include cash compensation,
replacement housing, land, or commercial sites (e.g.
shops), and additional support such as infrastructure
in new resettlement sites, training, credit and job
opportunities.
Involuntary Displacement
Physical displacement can be defined as relocation or
loss of shelter. Economic displacement means loss of
assets or access to assets which results in loss of means
of livelihood. Involuntary means that the displacement is
against the will of those displaced.
4. Documentation
Legal department, planning department.
5. References
None.
EU
EU
Version 3.0/EUSS Final Version
5