Each of these species and organisms work together in ecosystems, to maintain balance and support life. Biodiversity, however, is under threat – The WWF Living Planet Report 2024 revealed a catastrophic 73% decline in the average size of monitored wildlife populations over just 50 years.

The built environment has a large role to play in enhancing biodiversity as even the smallest of spaces often offer opportunities to attract a range of different species. Common examples include:

• Increasing species diversity of grasslands, trees, shrubs and plants including adding native species and planting wildflowers.
• Using organic and peat-free growing methods.
• Creating pathways for mammals, birds and invertebrates by linking pockets of planting/trees.
• Installing habitat features, such as bird/bat boxes or insect hotels and providing water sources.
• Replacing hard landscaping with spaces for nature where appropriate.
• Encouraging priority species according to the local Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP).

How is biodiversity considered through green building certifications like BREEAM In-Use?   

BREEAM In-Use is a holistic certification prominent in the UK and Europe, which assesses assets against a range of sustainability criteria, including land use and ecology.

The BREEAM In-Use Certification awards credits for assets that have undertaken an ecology survey and biodiversity management plan by a suitably qualified ecologist (SQE). 

Ecology surveys 

 Assets can earn BREEAM credits by taking steps to enhance biodiversity on-site. If a SQE has carried out an ecology survey within the past three years, two credits can be awarded by implementing all minor recommendations from the survey.

For the maximum credits (equivalent to a 2.8% increase), both minor and major recommendations need to be put in place, demonstrating a meaningful contribution to local biodiversity in line with the project’s scope and scale.

If the SQE confirms that there’s little or no opportunity to improve the site’s ecological value, off-site enhancements can be considered. These should align with the SQE’s recommendations to ensure they effectively support local biodiversity efforts.

Biodiversity management plans

Projects can earn up to six BREEAM credits (equivalent to a 4.2% increase) by implementing a biodiversity management plan that aligns with local guidance. The plan should connect the asset’s biodiversity goals to local and regional requirements, ensuring it supports the area’s biodiversity priorities.

Where applicable, the management plan should also align with the local BAP and the principles of the Convention on Biological Diversity (known informally as the Biodiversity Convention) to create a comprehensive and impactful strategy.

We encourage clients to consider biodiversity and offer BREEAM-aligned ecology reports to make biodiversity planning integral to assets in operation and are keen to make sure that we use the frameworks set out in certifications like BREEAM In-Use to drive improvements across sites. For example, by adopting biodiversity and ecology management plans, we can not only target credits but meaningfully drive site level strategies that restore and protect both nature and wildlife and improve the health and wellbeing of our places.

Further information

Contact Cait Norman & Brad Johnson

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