The national environmental standards positively set Poland apart from other EU countries.

PSE endeavours to reconcile the reliable and efficient operation of the power system with its development whilst respecting the natural environment.

Every power project meets stringent requirements for the impact of extra-high voltage lines on the environment.

Polish safety standards for the impact of electromagnetic fields for areas intended for residential development are among the most restrictive in the world.

High environmental standards
in Poland compared with other countries

GRI 103-1 PSE against environmental standards of other European operators

The standards for the construction of overhead transmission power lines used by PSE are uniform in Europe, governed by the PN-EN 50341-1 standard Overhead electrical lines exceeding 45 kV. Part 1: General requirements. Common specifications.

The standard provides line design guidelines relating e.g. to magnetic and electric field and induction (Sect. 5.6), prospective and effective touch voltage limits (Sect. 6.2.4), lightning discharges (Sect. 6.4), radio frequency interference level (Sect. 10.3), noise (Sect. 5.5.2).

Specific values of different types of impact are stated in the standard with reference to the related standard PN-EN 50341-2-22 Overhead electrical lines exceeding AC 1 kV. Part 2: National Normative Aspects (NNA).

Polish legal regulations concerning the formation of standards and regulations are dictated by current own and international studies – they are adjusted to progress and specialist knowledge.

Since the 1980s, the conservative approach has been used in Poland concerning e.g. the impact of electromagnetic fields (EMF). The first regulations were of such a nature and this approach continues to be used ¹⁰. Standards are not designed in terms of protection from harmful effects, because there is no such evidence, which is testified by numerous research studies evaluated periodically by outstanding experts and endorsed by the world’s largest organisations:

WHO (World Health Organisation)¹¹;
ICNIRP (International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection);
SCENIHR (Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks)¹²;
IRPA (International Non-Ioizing Radiation Comittee).

The regulations adopted by at European operators are also an expression of the conservative approach, where based on acquired knowledge technically justified and economically reasonable impact levels are set. Despite different tendencies in the formation law, their unification across Europe and the world is proposed most often. EMF values near 50 Hz 500MVA, 400/220kV AC transmission lines are proposed to be unified at 5 kV/m electric component and 80 A/m (100 µT) magnetic component (regulations in force e.g. in France, Germany, Spain, Austria, Croatia and Lithuania).

The applicable EMF values in Poland are as follows:

1kV/m electric component for areas considered by the legislature to be subject to special protection – areas intended for built development,
10kV/m electric component for locations accessible for people,
60 A/m magnetic component for locations accessible for people.

¹⁰Regulation of the Minister of the Environment of 30 October 2003 on electromagnetic field limits in the environment and methods of checking compliance with those limits, Journal of Laws of 2003, No 192, item 1883. Comment:
Comment:
This regulation was issued in accordance with the authorisation of art. 122 of the Environmental Protection Act in agreement with the minister in charge of health. The purpose of the obligation imposed by the legislature on the body authorised to issue the regulation to reach agreement with the minister in charge of health was to ensure an environmental condition that will have no negative effects on the environment or on human health.
¹¹WHO, Extremely low frequency fields, “Environmental Health Criteria” nr 238 oraz Electromagnetic fields and public health, 16.12.2014
¹²SCENIHR, Opinion on Potential health effects of exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF), 2015.
Comment:
This 2015 study (288 pages of opinions about almost 900 thematic studies from the 2005-2014 period) confirms that the existing scope of research does not clarify the mechanisms of adverse, harmful effect of electromagnetic fields on living organisms.

Facts worth knowing

The environmental standards adopted in Poland are considered as high. Their application in design and construction practice has won appreciation e.g. of the European Commission, expressed in Resolution 2008/2211.

EMF limit values in different European countries

European Country	Legal regulations		Notes
European Country	Electric field	Magnetic Field	Notes
Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Estonia, United Kingdom, Netherlands	No legal regulations, but recommendations apply In each country, there are committees that create their own recommendations (United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Sweden)
Belgium	5 kV/m (residential zones)		No regulations on magnetic field
France, Germany, Croatia, Spain, Austria, Ireland, Lithuania	5 kV/m	100µT
Greece	4 kV/m	80µT	ICNIRP values with coeff. of 0.8
Switzerland	5 kV/m	100µT 1µT for sensitive zones (schools, hospitals, retirement homes…)…)	The values for sensitive zones apply only to new equipment
Slovenia	5 kV/m 500 V/m	100µT 10µT for sensitive zones	The values for sensitive zones apply only to new equipment
Italy	5 kV/m	100µT 10µT (average for 4 h per day) 3µT (average for 4 h per day)	„Qualitative value” applied to built-up areas and to existing equipment „Qualitative value” applied to built-up areas and to new equipment

RTE France, Électricité de France, “Les champs électromagnétiques de très basse fréquence”, p. 63.
Table 1. EMF limit valuesin different European countries.

The electromagnetic field limit values in the environment in Poland are summarised in Table 2. below in comparison with values recommended by selected international organisations.

EMF limit values in Poland compared with international requirements

Poland vs European standards	Electric field	Magnetic field
Poland¹⁰	1kV/m (residential zone) 10kV/m	75 µT (60A/m)
Directive 2004/40/EC	10 kV/m	500 µT (400A/m)
Recommendation 1999/519/EC ¹³	5kV/m	100 µT (80 A/m)
IRPA	5kV/m 10kV/m (occupational exposure – 8h) 30kV/m (exposure <8h)	100 µT (80A/m) 1mT (800A/m)

^{Table 2. EMF limit values compared with international requirements}

¹³Council Recommendation of 12 July 1999 on the limitation of exposure of the general public to electromagnetic fields (1999/519/EC).
¹⁰Regulation of the Minister of the Environment of 30 October 2003 on electromagnetic field limits in the environment and methods of checking compliance with those limits, Journal of Laws of 2003, No 192, item 1883.
Comment:
This regulation was issued in accordance with the authorisation of art. 122 of the Environmental Protection Act in agreement with the minister in charge of health. The purpose of the obligation imposed by the legislature on the body authorised to issue the regulation to reach agreement with the minister in charge of health was to ensure an environmental condition that will have no negative effects on the environment or on human health.

Owing to cooperation with European operators, PSE has the opportunity to compare legal regulations and environmental standards related to the use of transmission lines and their environmental impact.

The high, compared with other countries, environmental standards applicable in Poland result from respect for social expectations, according to satisfying energy needs through the expansion of necessary power infrastructure should be combined with minimising impacts on the environment.

PSE also applies the relevant legal provisions related to occupational exposure to EMF on active elements of the transmission network; they apply both to the company’s own employees and to contractors.

GRI 307-1 In 2017, as in previous years, no fines were imposed on PSE for non-compliance with laws and regulations on environmental protection.

GRI 307-1 Monetary value of fines and total number of non-monetary sanctions for non-compliance with environmental laws and regulations	Value
2017	2016
Total monetary value of fines for non-compliance with environmental laws and regulations	0	0
Number of non-monetary, administrative and court sanctions imposed on the organisation for non-compliance with environmental protection laws and regulations, including:	0	2
international declarations/conventions/treaties as well as national, regional, and local regulations	0	0
voluntary environmental agreements with regulatory bodies that are considered binding and developed as a substitute for implementing new regulation	1*	2**
cases brought against the organisation by dispute resolution bodies supervised by government authorities	0	0

Environmental management system and occupational health and safety management system

GRI 103-1 Until the 1st half of 2017, there were two systems operating independently of each other at PSE: the environmental management system and the occupational health and safety management system In July 2017, work started on integration of the systems. For this purpose, one authorised officer was appointed to supervise the operation of the systems and an integrated policy was adopted. At subsequent stages, a procedure was implemented, governing both systems, internal auditors were appointed, and training and workshops were conducted for a wide group of employees. As part of implemented changes, the environmental management system was adjusted to the requirements of the international standard ISO 14001:2015-09 “Environmental management systems. Requirements with guidance for use”. In the area of occupational health and safety, the system remained in compliance with the Polish standard PN-N 18001:2004 “Occupational health and safety management systems”.

Effective implementation of the integrated system was confirmed by a relevant certificate which was issued to PSE for the period from 24 July 2018 to 11 March 2021.

By maintaining the integrated management system, the company voluntarily declares that it will reconcile the reliable and efficient operation of the power system with its development whilst respecting the natural environment and public interest. It is PSE’s particular concern to ensure the security of employees, third-party visitors, and contractors’ personnel.

To achieve the above objectives, PSE has committed itself to:

prevent accidents at work, occupational diseases, near misses and environmental pollution,
continuously seek to improve the standards of environmental safety and health, fire protection and environmental protection through measures including the identification of hazards and risk management,
monitor the working environment for occupational and environmental safety,
comply with the requirements of laws and other regulations applicable to the company,
improve employees’ skills, empower their roles and engage them in activities towards improvement of occupational safety and health, and environmental protection,
develop and upgrade the network infrastructure in such a manner as to ensure work safety, preservation of landscape, protected areas and areas of particular natural value.

In 2017, the environmental aspects identified to set the directions of the company’s initiatives concerning the reduction of negative impact on the natural environment and strengthening positive impact.

Significant aspects:

electromagnetic field emissions,
noise emissions,
sewage and stormwater discharge into the ground and into waters, ,
generation of waste,
hazardous substance spill.

Positive aspect:

supporting environmentally-friendly projects aimed at the projection of natural resources.

As part of supporting environmentally-friendly projects, educational actions were undertaken, addressed to employees.

The objectives pursued in the environmental area included e.g. transformer replacements and the delivery of a scheme of exercises in clean-up of hazardous substance spills at selected power facilities. In the OHS area, the priority is to prevent accidents at work and increase the involvement of employees and contributors in measures towards improving work safety.

PSE’s priorities concerning environmental protection and key figures

GRI 103-1 Pro-environmental attitude in operating activities

¹Compensation measures were started in 2017, hence there is no specification of costs in the table in 2016 and 2015.

Environmental aspects

GRI 102-11 For identified significant environmental aspects, the company defines the internal rules of procedure and supervision, aimed to ensure compliance with all legal requirements and the best possible conservation of natural resources.

Electromagnetic field emissions

We pursue a number of activities which further the achievement of the following objectives:

meeting the permitted electromagnetic field levels in the environment outside the line right of way, as required by law,
selecting locations for new projects that make it possible to limit the construction of power facilities in residential development areas,
maintaining systems and equipment in good working order,
advanced technological solutions for equipment and systems.

Noise emissions

We perform tasks that contribute to meeting the permissible noise levels in the environment as required by law. This is achieved through measures relating to:

selecting locations that make it possible to limit the construction of power facilities in residential development areas,
quality control of the work performed,
maintaining systems and equipment in good working order.

Sewage discharge into the ground or waters

As a result of our activities, sanitary sewage is generated which is discharged into the combined sewer system, into the ground or into waters. Sewage discharged to the ground or into waters is previously treated in biological sewage treatment plants reducing the content of pollutants in sewage. After treatment, they meet the requirements of law and water management permits. In accordance with the applicable laws and regulations, sewage treatment facilities undergo periodic maintenance and inspections. Also the quality of the sewage released into the environment is subject to periodic control.

GRI 306-1 Total sewage discharge* by quality and destination	Volume (in m³)
2017	2016
Actual total quantity of sewage discharged, by destination: Into surface waters, including:
lakes, rivers, etc.	5 414,57	4 467,30
ground waters – soil	2 696,00	1 903,40
To municipal plants	22 992,58	31 220,78
Total sewage volume	31 103,15	37 591,48

GRI 306-1 Sewage treatment method	Volume (in m³)
2017	2016
By the organisation	8 110,57	6 370,70
By the sewage treatment plant	22 992,58	31 220,78
Total treated sewage	31 103,15	37 591,48

Generation of waste

For many years, we have performed selective collection of waste generated by the activities carried out at the sites of grid assets and on the premises of PSE and its local units. In order to standardise the rules of handing waste, the “Instructions for waste management at PSE S.A.” have been prepared which apply both to waste generated by PSE and by third parties in the course of operation, maintenance, failure recovery, and new build and repair projects. One of the appendices to the Instructions is dedicated in whole to the rules of correct sorting of municipal waste generated by human living activities.

The office buildings and all electrical substations have been equipped with containers for selective collection of both municipal waste and hazardous waste. Most waste is collected at the place of generation. The rooms, areas and containers in which the different waste types are collected are duly marked.

Correct sorting is also checked during inspections carried out on the sites of facilities. Presentation of the rules and obligations concerning waste sorting is one of the permanent training topics for the company’s newly hired employees.

GRI 306-2 * Total waste type by type and disposal method	Value as at 2017 [Mg]	Value as at 2016 [Mg]
Hazardous waste, including:	141,371	674,369
stored on the premises	12,842	─
other	128,529	─
Non-hazardous waste, including:	65,69	43,9
stored on the premises	0,4	─
other	65,65	─

Hazardous substance spill

We take measures to:

reduce the probability of an emergency situation occurring through preventive measures and the correct maintenance of facilities,
maintain readiness to mitigate the environmental impact of failures caused by infrastructure owned by the company.

GRI 306-3 Total number and volume of significant spills*	Unit of measure	Value/Description 2017	Value/Description 2016
Type and number of identified significant spills	Spills of insulation oil, SF₆ gas and coolants were identified.	7 insulation oil spills, 30 spills of SF₆ gas 13 coolant spills	1 insulation oil spill 17 spills of SF₆ gas 13 coolant spills
a) Oil spills	Mg of contaminated soil	101,511 Mg	51,45 Mg
b) Fuel spills (onto ground or water)		-	-
c) Waste spills		-	-
d) Chemical spills (onto ground, water or into air)		-	-
e) Other, including SF₆ oil and coolant spills	kg	189,25, including: SF₆ gas – 91,3 kg hydrofluorocarbons – 97,95 kg	212,17kg, including: SF₆ gas - 76,03 kg hydrofluorocarbons - 136,135 kg
Identification of impacts of significant spills		No significant negative environmental impacts of spills into soil were reported. Owing to their small scale and lack of environmental hazard, none of the electric insulation oil spills were subject to reporting under the Act on environmental damage and remediation.	No significant negative environmental impacts of spills into soil were reported. The electric insulation oil concerned did not escape from the enclosed site of the substation facility.

* „Significant spill” – with reference to our activities, means a spill resulting in environmental pollution

The item “Other” includes spills of SF6 gas into the atmosphere in the event of leakage from SF6 insulated equipment and apparatus and leakage from air conditioning devices (HFC gases).

Devices containing a significant quantity of insulation oil, such as transformers and phase shifters, are equipped with appropriate protection features, i.e. oil trays, which must contain an emergency oil discharge in the event of an uncontrolled spill. We have not recorded any spills into the ground having a significant environmental impact. Oil pollutants did not escape from the enclosed site of the facilities. In the event that it was not possible to capture oil due to the type of failure, the contaminated soil was stripped and handed over for disposal.

The activities of maintenance services were consistent with the procedures in force at the company and relevant to the situation.

GRI 306-3 Total number and volume of significant spills* in 2017

ZKO name	Substation	Number	Calculation of SF₆ emissions from electrical power equipment
ZKO name	Substation	Number	Quantity [kg]	CO₂ equivalent [t]
ZKO Warsaw	Ołtarzew Substation		23,5	535,8
	Miłosna Substation		0,15	3,42
	Mory Substation		1,4	31,92
	Total	3	25,05	571,14
Radom ZKO	Mokre Substation		0,3	6,84
	Kielce Substation		0,9	20,52
	Radkowice Substation		1,6	36,48
	Krosno Iskrzynia Substation		2,65	60,42
	Chmielów Substation		1,15	26,22
	Kozienice Substation		7,8	177,84
	Total	6	14,4	328,32
Katowice ZKO	Poręba Substation		2,9	66,12
	Lubocza Substation		1,7	38,76
	Wanda Substation		2,1	47,88
	Joachimów Substation		4,3	98,04
	Kopanina Substation		0,5	11,4
	Wielopole Substation		5,5	125,4
	Jamki Substation		1,2	27,36
	Łagisza Substation		0,3	6,84
	Halemba Substation		1,9	43,32
	Total	9	20,4	465,12
Poznań ZKO	Mikułowa Substation		1,25	28,5
	Leszno Gronowo Substation		1,15	26,22
	Krajnik Substation		1,95	44,46
	Polkowice Substation		0,2	4,56
	Total	4	4,55	103,74
Bydgoszcz ZKO	Grudziądz Węgrowo Substation		1,8	41,04
	Toruń Elana Substation		2	45,6
	Bydgoszcz Jasiniec Substation		1,2	27,36
	Koszalin Dunowo Substation		16,8	383,04
	Żydowo Substation		2,8	63,84
	Słupsk Substation		0,5	11,4
	Olsztyn Mątki Substation		0,6	13,68
	Gdańsk I Substation		1,2	27,36
	Total	8	26,9	613,32
Total spills:		30	91,3	2081,64

*„Significant spill” – with reference to our operations, a spill resulting in environmental pollution
Summary based on the company’s internal records and environmental reports.

GRI 306-3 Number and volume of spills in 2017

Coolant spill				Calculation of hydrofluorocarbon emissions
ZKO name	Electrical substation	Substance name	Number	Quantity [kg]	CO₂ equivalent [t]	GWP according to Regulation (EU) 517/2014
Poznań ZKO	220/110 KV Piła Krzewina substation	R 410 A		3,95	8,25	2088
	220/110 kV Ząbkowice substation	R 410 A		4	8,35	2088
	400/220/110 kV Plewiska substation	R 407 C		5,5	9,76	1774
	Total		3	13,45	26,36
Radom ZKO	Radom site	R 422 D		21	57,31	2729
Radom ZKO	Total		1	21	57,31
Katowice ZKO	220/110 kV Kopanina substation	R 407 C		1,1	1,95	1774
	220/110 kV Poręba substation	R 410 A		3,1	6,47	2088
	220/110 kV Lubocza substation	R 410 A		3	6,26	2088
	220/110 kV Siersza substation	R 410 A		4,3	8,98	2088
	220/110 kV Wanda substation	R 407 C		8	14,19	1774
	400/220/110 kV Wielopole substation	R 410 A		1,7	3,55	2088
	Katowice site	R 410 A		4,3	8,98	2088
	Total		7	25,5	50,39
ZKO Warsaw	220/110 kV Sochaczew substation	R 410 A		2	4,18	2088
	Konstancin-Jeziorna site	R 407 C		36	63,86	1774
	Total		2	38	68,04
Bydgoszcz ZKO	no spills.		0	0	0	-
TOTAL			13	97,95	202,09

GRI 306-3 Number of spills and weight of oil-contaminated soil in 2017

Information on significant spills (type and location)		Oil spill calculations
Information on significant spills (type and location)		Number	*Oils - quantity of replaced earth in m³ Weight [Mg]/Volume (m³)**
Insulation oil spills
1	Radom ZKO Area: 400/110kV Ostrowiec substation – failure of voltage transformers in bay No 5 of 400 kV line, Kozienice	1	5,4 Mg/10,8 m³
2	Katowice ZKO Area: 220/110 Komorowice substation – oil spill from damaged current transformer type J220-4 on phase L2 in bay 1 AT4 due to internal short circuit and fire (oil-contaminated earth – 73.98 Mg, oil-contaminate crushed aggregate – 14.5 Mg).	1	88 Mg/ 176 m³
3	Poznań ZKO Area: 400/220/110 kV Krajnik substation – oil spillage from voltage transformer on phase L2, 220 kV in bay 32 Gorzów (oil-contaminated earth – 0.071 Mg); 400/220/110 kV Plewiska substation – explosion and fire of J110-4a current transformer on phase L2 in bay No 16 Górczyn R110 kV (oil-contaminated earth – 6.18 Mg).	2	6,251Mg/ 12,502 m³
4	Warsaw: ZKO Area: 400/110kV Stanisławów substation – spillage of impregnating compound from the 400 kV cable sealing end (no data available on the weight of oil-contaminated soil); 220/110kV Pabianice substation – damage to voltage transformer on phase L2 in bay AT-1 on 220 kV side (1.4 Mg of oil-contaminated soil); 400/110 kV Narew substation – loss of strength of joint between bellows and mounting plate of voltage transformer type VPU-123, which resulted in a loss of equipment integrity and oil spill (0.2 Mg and 0.26 Mg of oil-contaminated soil).	3	1,86 mg/ 3,32 m³
5	Bydgoszcz ZKO Area – no spillage.	0	0
	TOTAL	7	101,511 Mg/ 203,022 m³

* Conversion ratio of 1 tonne of earth equals 2 m³ has been adopted

Readiness and responding in environmental emergency situations (e.g. hydrocarbon spillage)

On substation sites, PSE operates equipment containing substances that may cause pollution when released into the environment.

Such substances include mainly:

insulation oil (transformers, oil circuit breakers, instrument transformers, shunt reactors, circuit breakers, capacitors),

diesel oil (power generating sets),

acids (battery electrolytes).

Owing to the risk of equipment failure and the related risk of spillage of the above-mentioned substances, we endeavour to reduce their negative environmental impact as much as possible.

For this purpose, the following have been prepared: “Operational instructions for handling failures at an electrical substation of PSE S.A. posing the risk of environmental pollution with insulation oil” and “Operational instructions for handling hazardous substance spillage”, which also apply on the premises of ZKOs.

Each facility is equipped with “environmental first aid kits” – portable sets of absorbents for the collection of small spills to prevent spillage from spreading.

We strive to minimise water consumption

We do not carry on any production activity and therefore water consumption at our headquarters and at the substations is small. However, we monitor water consumption under the Environmental Management System. Water is supplied to our substation facilities from our own deep wells and from commune or municipal water mains.

Wells are a source of supply to our 13 extra-high voltage substations. At the substation facilities, water is used for personal purposes of the substation personnel and for firefighting purposes. Depending on the number of transformers, most substations are equipped with at least one fire-fighting water reservoir with a capacity of 50 m³.

At the substations with transformer units equipped with fire extinguishing systems, a small quantity of reservoir water is consumed for sprinkler system tests which are performed once a year. The measurement of consumer water quantity is based on the main water meter readings.
On the premises of our headquarters in Konstancin-Jeziorna, we use our own water intake – we have two deep wells. Water supplied to the offices of field units comes from municipal mains.

The data presented in the table below have been collated from water meter readings at the sites with their own water intakes, and from water supply invoices for the facilities using water mains.

GRI 303-1 Total water withdrawal by source	Quantity [m³]
2017	2016
Total water volume (in m³) withdrawn from the following sources:	39 516	48 013
Ground water	17 313	21 281
Water supply from municipal mains or from other external sources(m³)	22 203	26 732

PSE approach to biodiversity protection

GRI 103-1 GRI 304-2 PSE endeavour to ensure that biodiversity is preserved on the areas where concerned by ongoing investment projects. We invest in the development of the transmission system in such a way as to minimise interference with the environment. By implementing in 2012 the Environmental Management System compliant with the ISO 14001 standard, we have committed to comply with legal regulations and to follow good environmental practices. We have also imposed this commitment on the contractors and subcontractors for investment projects. Together we make every effort to ensure that each stage of investment – from planning, through construction, to operation – is characterised by care for the environment. In doing this, we strive to take into account the whole range of tools, remedial measures related to protection against soil and groundwater pollution, limiting losses in habitats and species, emergency management, minimising noise emissions and waste management. In implementing our projects, we strive to ensure that our power infrastructure has the least possible impact on biodiversity.

We deliver investment projects in a manner that allows key threats to nature to be minimised and biodiversity loss to be avoided. We start as early as the line route and substation location planning stage, locating infrastructure in such a manner as to avoid, as far as possible, interference with areas of high natural value. In successive stages of project implementation, technical and technological options for minimising impacts related to the implementation phase and further operation of network facilities are analysed.

In the case of completed projects, works consisting in the so-called post-implementation monitoring are carried out. Naturalists are responsible for assessing whether the measures we take correctly serve their purpose, and thus whether we have managed to minimise impact on the natural environment. In the next few years we will be able to assess, for example, which of the diverters used on the lighting cables have proved the best, i.e. which of them reduce the number of birds’ collisions with the LV lines to the highest degree.

Unavoidable consequences of project implementation include a loss of a part of habitats due to tree removal in the impact zone, especially in forest areas. However, it needs to be stressed that these situations become rare owing to the increasingly common use of over-forest or forest pylons which allows for the significant reduction of clearances.

A forest pylon is a pylon which. together with V-shaped insulator strings, allows wires to be suspended closer to the pylon structure (reduction of the pylon line width). An over-forest pylon allows wires to be suspended above trees crowns.

Both at the implementation and operation stage, we endeavour to carry out tree clearance work in the line impact zone in such a manner as to limit its impact. The works are often performed outside the breeding season and/or under naturalists' supervision. Owing to the implementation of LV line projects some habitats are lost, but in their place other habitats appear which are readily used for nesting by other bird species or insects. Due to the removal of saplings under the line, there are more plants typical for open areas, including flowering plants which increase the insect food base.

We try to run lines so as to minimise interference with areas inhabited by valuable and rare species. Tree clearances are reduced to necessary minimum. In the result, the need to carry out nature compensation occurs in extremely rare cases (damage to stations of widely occurring species, which does not have a significant impact on population survival, does not require - according to Article 75 of the Environmental Law - nature compensation related to their restoration).

Below we present some examples of the nature compensation measures taken by PSE in connection with the destruction of habitats in the result of the construction of the LV lines or of the network infrastructure maintenance, as well as of the status of their preservation in subsequent years after the facilities were put into operation.

GRI EU 13 Examples of nature compensation

Construction of the 400kV switchgear in Byczyna substation

During the construction of the 400kV switchgear in Byczyna substation, partial elimination affected a fragment of the habitat - Molinia meadows, i.e. the habitat of Siberian Iris (Iris sibirica), Turkish Marsh Gladiolus (Gladiolus imbricatus), Western Marsh Orchid (Dactylorhiza majalis), as well as the habitat of Large Blue butterflies of the Phengaris genus - Dusky Large Blue (Phengaris nausithous) and Scarce Large Blue (Phengaris teleius).

Pursuant to the decision issued by the Regional Directorate for Environmental Protection in Katowice, protected plant species, i.e. 643 specimens of Siberian Iris (Iris sibirica), 32 tussocks of Turkish Marsh Gladiolus (Gladiolus imbricatus) and 1 specimen of Western Marsh Orchid (Dactylorhiza majalis) were transferred from the substation area to the appropriate substitute site (plots outside the construction site) with the aim to maintain the local population in the proper status of preservation. The permission to transfer the specimens of protected species was conditional upon mowing the meadows where the plants were moved in the first and second year after the transfer and at least every two years in subsequent years until 2024.

Starting from 2016, meadows with the area of 2.7 hectares have been mowed and the habitats where the protected species were transferred as well as the habitat of the Large Blue butterfly have been monitored. The monitoring is based on the indicators presented in the methodology manuals provided by the Chief Inspectorate for Environmental Protection.

During field inspections carried out in 2016 it was confirmed that Turkish Marsh Gladiolus moved to the substitute site set abundant seeds which allows to suppose that in the nearest future the population of this species will increase significantly. Furthermore, abundant flowering of great burnet - a host plant for Large Blue butterflies. The inspections of habitats carried out in 2017 confirmed the presence of the fruiting specimens of Turkish Marsh Gladiolus and Siberian Iris. The presence of both butterfly species was confirmed on all meadow patches covered by monitoring.

The conducted entomological checks have confirmed that the area around the substation is a valuable habitat of Phengaris telejus and Phengaris nausithous. The grassland areas the condition of which deteriorated during construction works regenerate properly as regards the plant species composition. This ensures the proper condition of habitats for both Phengaris species.

Expansion of the Kozienice substation

Under the implementation of the investment project related to the expansion of the Kozienice substation in 2014 we removed 2490 pcs trees and 150 m2 of shrubs from the total surface area of 2.8 hectares.

In accordance with the decision issued by the mayor of Kozienice municipality, we were obliged to carry out nature compensation by planting trees and shrubs in the number not lower than the number of removed plants.

In order to meet the requirements specified above, in 2015 plantings were carried out on plots specified by and agreed with the municipality with the aim to restore the lost stand. In the Kozienice municipality, in the framework of nature compensation works various species of trees and shrubs were planted (English hawthorn, Scots pine, silver birch, Serbian spruce, black pine, Weymouth pine, maple, small-leaved lime, American ambrose, American tulip tree, ginkgo biloba, plane tree, European ash, European beech, common hornbeam, Rocky Mountain juniper, northern white-cedar, barberry, holly and common ninebark). The plantings were made on the basis of species recommended by the owners of lands specified by the municipality and agreed with the Kozienice municipality. The contractor has the obligation to monitor the status of plantings for the period of 3 years. As a result of inspections carried out in 2016 and 2017, seedlings were replenished in places were the plants failed to survive. Moreover, in 2017 some plant species were replaced with species more resistant to difficult soil conditions. In the Kozienice municipality there are mainly sandy soils, poor in nutrients. For this project, the monitoring of the condition of plantings is to be carried out until 2018.

Operation of the 220/110 kV Janów substation

For the operation of the 220/110 kV Janów substation, it was necessary to obtain a decision permitting the removal from the site of the facility of 33 trees threatening the proper operation of the 220 kV switchgear. The permit was issued on condition that replacement planting is made in the substation area with 60 seedlings of Maule's quince. The replacement planting was carried out in 2017. If the planted shrubs remain viable after the period of 3 years from planting or do not remain viable for reasons not attributable to PSE, the charge for tree removal will be remitted.

Construction of the 400 kV Miłosna-Siedlce Ujrzanów line

In the course of work related to the construction of the 400 kV Miłosna-Siedlce Ujrzanów line, the contractor removed trees and shrubs in a total area of 50 ha. In accordance with the decision on environmental conditions for the construction of the line, we commenced the nature compensation by planting a number of trees and shrubs 10% greater than the total damage and the monitoring of the condition of plantings for another 5 years. In connection with the fulfilment of the commitments mentioned above, plantings were made on the area of 58.9 hectares with the aim to reintroduce the destroyed tree stand to the environment. In 10 municipalities, in the framework of nature compensation works, 350,140 seedlings of the following species were planted: Scots pine (127.4 thousand pcs), silver birch (83.51 thousand pcs), Norway spruce (35.67 thousand pcs), black alder (78.72 thousand pcs), common oak (16.93 thousand pcs), larch (5.94 thousand pcs), lime (0.88 thousand pcs), hornbeam (1.09 thousand pcs). The plantings were carried out based on the recommended species and on the neighbouring tree stand, on land with low suitability for agricultural production (91.5 percent of plantings) and on forest land (8.5 percent of plantings).

As a result of inspection of plantings, carried out in 2015, seedlings with poor prognosis or those which failed to survive were replenished. Replacement afforestation was carried out on the surface area of 1.38 hectares.

As a result of an inspection carried out in 2016, seedlings damaged by animals were replenished. Replacement afforestation was carried out on the surface area of 0.8 hectares. Following an inspection in 2017, supplementary planting and maintenance works were carried out on the surface area of 54.67 hectares.

The total surface area of plantings increased by 18 percent compared to the surface area of damages.

No.	Biodiversity of compensatory habitats regarding:	Period of monitoring and reporting biodiversity in removed locations
Habitat area (km²)	Main protected species	Habitat description (e.g. wetlands, grasslands, forests etc.)
1	0,027	Siberian Iris (Iris sibirica), Turkish Marsh Gladiolus (Gladiolus imbricatus), Western Marsh Orchid (Dactylorhiza majalis), Large Blue butterflies of the Phengaris genus: Dusky Large Blue (Phengaris nausithous) and Scarce Large Blue (Phengaris teleius).	grasslands	2024
2	no data	No protected species. The plantings were made with the following species: English hawthorn, Scots pine, silver birch, Serbian spruce, black pine, Weymouth pine, maple, small-leaved lime, American ambrose, American tulip tree, ginkgo biloba, plane tree, European ash, European beech, common hornbeam, Rocky Mountain juniper, northern white-cedar, barberry, holly and common ninebark	leisure areas, parks	2018
3	no data	Maule's quince	telectrical substation area (industrial area)
4	0,59	No protected species. Plantings were made with the following species: Scots pine, silver birch, Norway spruce, black alder, English oak, larch, lime and hornbeam	agricultural and forest lands	2019

Energy efficiency

At PSE activities aimed at increasing the efficiency of energy use are carried out on a regular basis. These activities include increasing energy efficiency in the main operating activity as well as in the area of property maintenance and implementation of campaigns aimed at raising the environmental awareness of our employees.

In 2017, in the field units (ZKOs) and in the headquarters of our company in Konstancin-Jeziorna, activities were carried out for the purposes of energy audit in accordance with the provisions of the Energy Efficiency Act of 20 May 2016. The audit was conducted by an external company and its results included the specification of modernisation activities as well as outlining other activities aimed at increasing energy efficiency. Some audit recommendations are implemented on an ongoing basis. Others are at the planning stage.

Examples of activities carried out in the framework of increasing energy efficiency in the PSE Head Office and in the field units (ZKOs)
Konstancin-Jeziorna	replacement of light fittings in the communication routes of buildings with LED light fittings
installation of motion sensors in toilets
replacement of light sources in the garage with LED light fittings
changing the manner and range of lighting control from the BMS level.
ZKO Bydgoszcz	installation of aerators on taps and their systematic cleaning
replacement of fixtures with LED fittings with a motion sensor in social rooms and toilets.
ZKO Radom	installation of motion sensors in toilets
replacement of lighting of the internal square in the main building with LED lights
change in controlling the operation of the central heating installation
ZKO Katowice**	replacement of conventional light sources with LED light sources.

GRI 302-1 Total energy consumption in the organisation * Head Office (Konstancin-Jeziorna)	Unit	Value **
	Unit	2017	2016
Electricity	GJ	22 428	24 658
Natural gas	GJ	8 300	8 447
Total		30 728	33 105

* Data from the report on electricity consumption at PSE

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Environmental impact

Recipients:

High environmental standards
in Poland compared with other countries