Planting Seeds of Structured Biodiversity Management in Industrial Operations: Case Study of Volvo Trucks Tuve
(2026) In IIIEE Master Thesis IMEM01 20261The International Institute for Industrial Environmental Economics
- Abstract
- This thesis examines how biodiversity policy ambitions and scientific biodiversity knowledge can be translated into practical site-level actions within an industrial context. The research was conducted in collaboration with Volvo Group, specifically Volvo Trucks Tuve, focusing on biodiversity measurement methods, organisational readiness, and the development of operational biodiversity strategies.
A mixed-methods approach was applied, combining Geographical Information System (GIS)-based spatial analysis including Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) analysis, field-based biodiversity measurements using Shannon and Simpson’s diversity indices, semi-structured interviews, and cross-sector benchmarking. The study further... (More) - This thesis examines how biodiversity policy ambitions and scientific biodiversity knowledge can be translated into practical site-level actions within an industrial context. The research was conducted in collaboration with Volvo Group, specifically Volvo Trucks Tuve, focusing on biodiversity measurement methods, organisational readiness, and the development of operational biodiversity strategies.
A mixed-methods approach was applied, combining Geographical Information System (GIS)-based spatial analysis including Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) analysis, field-based biodiversity measurements using Shannon and Simpson’s diversity indices, semi-structured interviews, and cross-sector benchmarking. The study further incorporated the mitigation hierarchy and a qualitative Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)-inspired decision-making framework to support the prioritisation of biodiversity actions.
The findings show that biodiversity management within industrial settings is influenced by a combination of regulatory frameworks, organisational conditions, and evolving sustainability expectations. Frameworks such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), EU Taxonomy, and emerging biodiversity-related standards increasingly shape corporate sustainability agendas, although the translation of these ambitions into operational site-level practices remains under development. Interview findings indicate growing organisational awareness of biodiversity issues, while benchmarking demonstrates the importance of cross-sector learning and knowledge sharing as these practices support biodiversity integration.
The ecological baseline assessment revealed spatial variation in vegetation condition and biodiversity across the study site, highlighting the importance of zonal-specific approaches to biodiversity management. The study also identified challenges related to biodiversity measurement, monitoring, and the operationalisation of biodiversity-related targets and indicators. However, the findings suggest that accessible approaches such as GIS analysis and field-based assessments can provide a practical foundation for establishing biodiversity baselines and supporting future monitoring.
In summary, the thesis contributes to understanding the role institutional pressures, biodiversity measurement approaches, and operational factors play in shaping biodiversity management within industrial organisations. It further provides practical insights into how site-level biodiversity strategies may be developed through structured decision-support approaches. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
https://lup.lub.lu.se/student-papers/record/9247595
- author
- Usami, Nana LU
- supervisor
-
- Philip Peck LU
- organization
- course
- IMEM01 20261
- year
- 2026
- type
- H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
- subject
- keywords
- site-level biodiversity management, corporate biodiversity strategy, biodiversity monitoring, nature-positive approaches, sustainability governance
- publication/series
- IIIEE Master Thesis
- report number
- 2026:28
- ISSN
- 1401-9191
- language
- English
- id
- 9247595
- date added to LUP
- 2026-08-10 10:50:45
- date last changed
- 2026-08-10 10:50:45
@misc{9247595,
abstract = {{This thesis examines how biodiversity policy ambitions and scientific biodiversity knowledge can be translated into practical site-level actions within an industrial context. The research was conducted in collaboration with Volvo Group, specifically Volvo Trucks Tuve, focusing on biodiversity measurement methods, organisational readiness, and the development of operational biodiversity strategies.
A mixed-methods approach was applied, combining Geographical Information System (GIS)-based spatial analysis including Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) analysis, field-based biodiversity measurements using Shannon and Simpson’s diversity indices, semi-structured interviews, and cross-sector benchmarking. The study further incorporated the mitigation hierarchy and a qualitative Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)-inspired decision-making framework to support the prioritisation of biodiversity actions.
The findings show that biodiversity management within industrial settings is influenced by a combination of regulatory frameworks, organisational conditions, and evolving sustainability expectations. Frameworks such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), EU Taxonomy, and emerging biodiversity-related standards increasingly shape corporate sustainability agendas, although the translation of these ambitions into operational site-level practices remains under development. Interview findings indicate growing organisational awareness of biodiversity issues, while benchmarking demonstrates the importance of cross-sector learning and knowledge sharing as these practices support biodiversity integration.
The ecological baseline assessment revealed spatial variation in vegetation condition and biodiversity across the study site, highlighting the importance of zonal-specific approaches to biodiversity management. The study also identified challenges related to biodiversity measurement, monitoring, and the operationalisation of biodiversity-related targets and indicators. However, the findings suggest that accessible approaches such as GIS analysis and field-based assessments can provide a practical foundation for establishing biodiversity baselines and supporting future monitoring.
In summary, the thesis contributes to understanding the role institutional pressures, biodiversity measurement approaches, and operational factors play in shaping biodiversity management within industrial organisations. It further provides practical insights into how site-level biodiversity strategies may be developed through structured decision-support approaches.}},
author = {{Usami, Nana}},
issn = {{1401-9191}},
language = {{eng}},
note = {{Student Paper}},
series = {{IIIEE Master Thesis}},
title = {{Planting Seeds of Structured Biodiversity Management in Industrial Operations: Case Study of Volvo Trucks Tuve}},
year = {{2026}},
}