The Nature of Building:
Biodiversity and the Built Environment

Protecting nature is at the heart of all sustainable development; understanding how we can provide the homes and infrastructure that we need without undermining nature’s balance is essential to biodiversity, climate resilience, community well-being, and the long-term health of our ecosystems. Those at the forefront of construction and environmental stewardship have the power to drive transformative change, creating a more sustainable future for all.

Launched in October 2024, The Nature of Building, examines the complex connection between construction and nature and the urgent need for the industry to address the rapidly worsening biodiversity crisis. 

Created in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), part one of the series launched on October 7th, 2024, and part two launched on November 18th, 20204.

It celebrates some of the positive work already underway within the construction industry and uses short films, interviews and case studies to explore themes such as Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), adaptive reuse, and embodied biodiversity impact. It will also showcase sustainable approaches to material sourcing, new construction techniques, and the mitigation of environmental impacts to demonstrate how organisations can make a positive difference in ways which don’t add significant costs and delays to projects.

Findings from the State of Nature Report 2023 reveal nearly one in six species in the UK are at risk of extinction. Globally, according to the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), around 1 million species globally are currently threatened with extinction due to human activities. 

Leading organisations such as AtkinsRéalis, NatureSpace, Morgan Sindall Construction, Speedy Hire, CWSC, Birdlife International, Ibstock, Jewson, and Marsh Industries have all contributed to the CIOB series, displaying their commitment to integrating biodiversity considerations into construction projects. Case studies include organisations like the local government of Tower Hamlets and Vertical Meadow.

The series will feature insights from key figures, including:

  • Amanda Williams, FIEMA CEnv, Head of Environmental Sustainability, CIOB
  • Martin Baxter, FIEMA, CEnv, Deputy CEO, IEMA
  • Sir John Armitt, CBE FREng FICE, Chair, National Infrastructure Commission
  • Marco Lambertini, Conservation Specialist
  • Dr Stephanie Wray, Director, Nature Positive
  • Anusha Shar, CEng FICE Hon Prof Hon DEng, President, Institution of Civil Engineers
  • Nigel Silcock, Director of Exubia


Check out the full series here.

Number of Partners

9

Number of Views

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Number of Impressions

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