Creating a Sustainable Future: The Role of Biodiversity on International Biodiversity Day

Biodiversity as a driver of human and planetary health

Biodiversity, health and climate change are interdependent. Restoring ecosystems and conserving nature is a basic prerequisite for our own health and well-being, in addition to that of planet. (See figure: relationship Climate change - biodiversity loss - good quality of life). Biodiversity forms the web of life of which humans are intrinsically part and both humans and planet are highly dependent. Action is called for.

COP15 UN Biodiversity Conference

Late last year, the COP15 United Nations Biodiversity Conference took place in Montreal. A set of new global targets should halt biodiversity loss by 2030 to enable recovery2. A framework agreement includes final targets, the protection of indigenous peoples and funding for nature restoration.

The impact of architecture and construction industry on biodiversity

The United Nations report sees 5 direct drivers of biodiversity loss:

• changes in land and sea use,
• direct exploitation of organisms,
• climate change,
• pollution,
• invasive alien species.

Construction activities affect these in direct or indirect ways. For example, we see a direct link between these drivers and CO2 emissions, water consumption, the use of materials and reducing waste, and the taking of land for our construction projects - these are the most recognisable aspects.

However, construction projects can also preserve or restore biodiversity. With a great sense of responsibility, wherever our circle of influence reaches, we want to make a positive contribution to preserving and restoring biodiversity.

Nature-inclusive design

Through nature-inclusive design, we can protect, sustainably manage and restore natural or modified ecosystems. Through an integrated design process, complex ecological achievements can benefit both human well-being and biodiversity.

For this, we start from the principle: protect, restore and imitate. And provide a number of focal points:

• mapping the local ecosystem with fauna and flora of the building site and its surroundings,
• avoid light and noise pollution caused by the construction project.
• provide corridors between ecosystems or integrate green and blue structures in different layers in the project - at ground level, the façade to the roofs - for greater diversity.
• integrate the building into its natural habitat by allowing nature to spill over into the building project.
• avoid invasive species that threaten the natural habitat.
• create a microclimate and protect living species from the effects of climate changes, such as storms, floods, fire.
• encourage sustainable green management through infrastructure design.

No words, but deeds

Integration of biodiversity and nature-inclusive design are not empty concepts for VK architects+engineers.

In the OPZ Geel master plan, we maximise the greenery in and around the psychiatric campus. In addition, we encourage natural green management: instead of intensive green management by grass machines, we integrate the farm animals present as active grazers. They contribute to nature conservation and the preservation of wild plants and animals. Annual plants are given more chance to grow on, animals disperse seeds, a variety of grass structure is created and we avoid mowing waste, fuel consumption and noise pollution. More than that, it promotes patients' mental well-being. Research shows that non-rhythmic and multi-sensory stimuli reduce stress and promote wellbeing.

In the Masterplan of the Arenberg Science Park at KULeuven, we contribute to the protection of the bat population in the adjacent Dijlevalei nature reserve. The lighting of the domain and the building has been adapted, and blackout curtains/screens prevent nuisance from indoor lighting to the surroundings.

At the Centre Hospitalier des Viviers in Charleroi, the usual construction sequence has been reversed. At the new building of Belgium's largest non-university hospital, on top of a slag heap, environmental construction started. A well thought-out design limits the area of the 1,000-bed hospital to 4 hectares. This leaves 11 hectares for nature and parkland. Gembloux's faculty of Agronomy mapped 36 protected species. In collaboration with Bureau Bas Smets, a landscape was designed that perpetuates and protects the natterjack toad, Alpine newt and Great crested newt, among others. Existing populations were migrated in phases to safe sites on the site. Moreover, this natural environment will positively impact patients, be it as a natural view from the room, or as sensory interaction during a walk.

Biodiversity, health and climate change have links at multiple levels. Restoring ecosystems and conserving nature is a basic prerequisite for human and planetary health and well-being. Studies show that biodiversity affects climate change and how it determines our health and well-being. Therefore, let us respect, preserve and restore biodiversity wherever possible when implementing construction projects.

With full-life cycle design as its ambition, VK architects+engineers is always exploring new means and methods in this new and rapidly evolving field. ILFI is a relatively new player on the market and brings a refreshing philosophy. Henceforth our sustainable design experts also offer this method to make the built environment even more liveable.