The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has launched a groundbreaking digital series titled “The Nature of Building: Biodiversity & the Built Environment” on World Habitat Day 2024.
This innovative project, developed in partnership with Content With Purpose (CWP), explores the intricate relationship between construction and nature, highlighting the urgent need for the industry to address the escalating biodiversity crisis.
The series examines the impact of the built environment on biodiversity and showcases measures to mitigate the negative effects of construction operations.
It features a diverse array of content, including short films and interviews, that spotlight cutting-edge projects and initiatives, placing nature at the heart of development.
Amanda Williams, Head of Environmental Sustainability at CIOB, emphasised the importance of the construction industry adapting to reduce its impact on biodiversity.
She stated: “We hope our series will highlight what biodiversity is, why it’s important, and how construction impacts on nature, as well as showing examples of best practice.”
The urgency of this initiative is underscored by recent reports.
The State of Nature Report 2023 reveals that nearly one in six species in the UK are at risk of extinction.
Globally, the situation is even more dire, with approximately one million species threatened with extinction due to human activities.
Key themes explored in the series include:
- Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)
- Adaptive reuse
- Embodied biodiversity impact
- Sustainable material sourcing
- Innovative construction techniques
The project features insights from industry leaders and experts, including Sir John Armitt, Chair of the National Infrastructure Commission, and Marco Lambertini, a conservation specialist.
Leading organisations such as AtkinsRéalis, NatureSpace, and Morgan Sindall Construction have contributed to the series, demonstrating their commitment to integrating biodiversity considerations into construction projects.
Max Smith, Founder and Managing Director of CWP, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating: “Our goal is to highlight these efforts and inspire the industry to adopt nature-first strategies, ensuring that development goes hand in hand with environmental stewardship.”
The Nature of Building series aims to present a future where society’s needs for development do not come at a high cost to biodiversity, bolstering the industry’s ambition to become nature-positive.
It serves as a call to action for the construction sector to place nature at the heart of decision-making and accelerate progress towards a sustainable future.