Building a future with biodiversity at its core 

In construction industry we are facing big challenges with keeping things green and fighting climate change. The choices made today in how we design, construct, and manage our built environments have far-reaching impacts not only on our planet's climate but also on the rich tapestry of life that it supports - our global biodiversity. By adopting practices that support biodiversity conservation and ecological resilience, we can contribute to the preservation of global biodiversity while creating healthier, more sustainable built environments for current and future generations.

Understanding biodiversity

Biodiversity encompasses the variety of life forms on Earth, including plants, animals, and microorganisms, as well as the ecosystems they inhabit. It plays a fundamental role in maintaining ecological balance, providing essential ecosystem services such as pollination, soil fertility, and climate regulation. However, human activities, including those associated with the building sector, have led to habitat destruction, fragmentation, and species extinction, threatening biodiversity on a global scale.

Challenges in the building sector

Traditional building practices often prioritize efficiency and cost-effectiveness over ecological considerations, leading to adverse environmental impacts. Construction projects typically involve land clearance, which disrupts natural habitats and contributes to habitat loss and fragmentation. Moreover, the use of non-renewable materials, energy-intensive processes, and waste generation further exacerbate environmental degradation.

The choices we can take

To address these challenges, we representing the building sector, must embrace strategies that promote biodiversity conservation and enhance ecological resilience. With several approaches we can facilitate the integration of biodiversity into building practices:

Green infrastructure

By incorporating green spaces, such as rooftop gardens, green walls, and vegetated swales, into building design we can mitigate the loss of habitat and support urban biodiversity. These features not only enhance aesthetic appeal but also provide habitats for various plant and animal species, promote biodiversity corridors, and improve air quality and thermal comfort.

Habitat enhancement

By designing buildings and landscapes to mimic natural habitats and provide refuge for wildlife, we can help offset the loss of biodiversity due to urbanization. Features such as birdhouses, bat boxes, insect hotels, and wildlife ponds create valuable habitats within urban environments, supporting a diverse array of species and fostering ecological connectivity.

Biodiversity assessments

By conducting biodiversity assessments prior to construction projects,  we can identify sensitive habitats and species of conservation concern. And by incorporating this information into site planning and design, people who develop can avoid or minimize impacts on biodiversity hotspots and implement mitigation measures to offset any unavoidable harm.

We see many benefits of biodiversity integration

Integrating biodiversity considerations into building practices offers numerous benefits, both ecological and societal:

Enhanced ecosystem services: Biodiverse green spaces within and around buildings provide essential ecosystem services, including improved air and water quality, climate regulation, soil fertility, and flood mitigation.

Incorporating biodiversity into building practices isn't just a choice; it's a responsibility—one that holds the key to a more harmonious coexistence between human society and the natural world.