Biodiversity in construction

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Biodiversity is a basic prerequisite for successful climate protection

Outdoor spaces have huge potential to contribute to biodiversity and human quality of life. In the construction industry, this means that roofs, façades and open spaces can be much more than just functional areas – they can become valuable habitats that promote ecological diversity and at the same time increase the well-being of users. Professional biodiversity management helps you to identify this potential, implement it in a targeted manner and thereby achieve not only your sustainability goals, but also advantages in terms of building certification.

Biodiversity in building certification

The implementation of measures in the area of biodiversity plays a decisive role in a desired DGNB or BREEAM certification. On the one hand, additional points can be achieved that can significantly improve the level of certification. On the other hand, by promoting biodiversity, building owners and project developers show that they are taking ecological responsibility and pursuing their sustainability goals holistically. Biodiversity measures not only make an important contribution to climate protection, but also to a positive image and the fulfillment of growing ESG requirements.

Biodiversity requirements are anchored in the DGNB and BREEAM systems under the following criteria:

• DGNB New Build Version 2023:
  ENV2.4 Biodiversity on site

• BREEAM New Construction 2018:
  EU 02 Ecological value of the property and protection of ecological values
  EU 04 Improvement of site ecology
  EU 05 Long-term effects on biodiversity

• BREEAM Inventory V 6.1:
  Lue02 Ecological characteristics of the green spaces

The DGNB also offers its own certification for outdoor spaces that promote biodiversity.

DGNB system for biodiversity-promoting outdoor spaces

The DGNB uses this system to assess how outdoor areas on buildings and in neighborhoods contribute to the promotion of biodiversity. The focus is on ecological quality, nature-oriented design and long-term maintenance. Both new and existing areas can be certified – from green spaces to roofs and façades. Certification creates transparency, ensures ecological added value and offers advantages for sustainability reports and future ESG requirements. Find out more about the system here.

Our services for you

• Confirmation that the measures to strengthen biodiversity in buildings for the KfW environmental program (240, 241) have been implemented in accordance with the technical requirements.
• Conception and implementation of a biodiversity strategy.
• Identification of potential in the area of biodiversity for additional certification points (DGNB, BREEAM).
• practical solutions for promoting biodiversity.