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Wildlife in Towns & Cities

Home : Wildlife in Towns & Cities

 

Enhancing Biodiversity in the Built Environment

UK-GBC Biodiversity Task Group releases final report and recommendations

UK-GBC task group launches report and guidance for industry today.

The UK-GBC has published a new report today on “Biodiversity and the Built Environment”, the product of 6 months work by its Biodiversity Task Group.

Although the construction and property industry is traditionally seen as having a negative influence on wildlife and habitats, the UK-GBC argues that the development and refurbishment of buildings can actually improve the ecological value of a site, if done well. 

RELEVANT LINKS:

·         Download the executive summary of the report

·         Download the full report and appendices 

·         Download the sector-specific guidance

·         Download supporting case studies

·         Access the new UK-GBC 'Biodiversity Portal'

The report contains:

1. Guidance, specific to developers, landlords, contractors and consultants on enhancing biodiversity in the built environment. This includes guidance on raising staff awareness, better training and reporting on Key Performance Indicators.

2. Recommendations to improve the main sustainability tools (BREEAM, Code for Sustainable Homes, CEEQUAL etc) to better incorporate assessment of biodiversity. This has been done in collaboration with the tool owners.

3. Recommendations for the industry, local and central government which would help improve the consistency of biodiversity measurement and reporting, in order to set meaningful targets in the future.

The task group also reviewed information and resources available to the industry on biodiversity. Finding it to be dispersed and sometimes inaccessible, UK-GBC, in dialogue with stakeholders, is launching an online ‘biodiversity portal’ through www.ukgbc.org to help the industry better navigate the information and sign-post it to the most useful resources. This will go live this week and will be constantly updated.

Paul King, Chief Executive of the UK Green Building Council said:

“All too often our mindset is simply to reduce the negative impacts from construction and development. But it’s important to think about how we can actually increase positive impacts - for people, wildlife and the economy. That’s exactly what the Biodiversity Task Group has done.

“Development done well can and should actually create habitats in which wild species thrive, and a habitat for the human species that we can all enjoy. Green roofs, living walls, and good old-fashioned parks and green spaces in our built environment can make us all feel happier and healthier, and give something back to nature. There is also evidence emerging of the economic value of biodiversity enhancement, which will be a critical driver for the industry. 

“The UK-GBC Task Group has produced some practical recommendations, best practice guidance and also a web portal for all the relevant information. It’s also provided inspiration as to how the industry can genuinely add value, for people and wildlife.”