CIOB digital series to tackle biodiversity crisis

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has launched a new digital series, The Nature of Building: Biodiversity & the Built Environment, to mark World Habitat Day 2024. The series, created in partnership with Content With Purpose (CWP), explores how the construction industry impacts biodiversity and what can be done to address the growing biodiversity crisis.

The series looks at the relationship between construction and nature, highlighting positive initiatives within the industry. Through short films, interviews, and case studies, it covers topics such as Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), adaptive reuse of buildings, and the environmental impact of materials. It also presents sustainable practices in sourcing materials and new building techniques, showing that it's possible to reduce environmental harm without causing significant project delays or costs.

Amanda Williams, head of environmental sustainability at CIOB, emphasised the importance of the industry adapting to protect biodiversity. “The construction sector must reduce its impact on biodiversity and work towards positive outcomes for nature. Innovation is needed, but we can start by giving nature a seat at the table,” she said. The series aims to raise awareness of biodiversity, why it matters, and how construction affects nature, while also providing real-world examples of sustainable practices.

The State of Nature Report 2023 highlights the urgency of the issue, revealing that nearly one in six species in the UK is at risk of extinction. Globally, around one million species are under threat due to human activities, according to the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES).

The series features insights from key industry figures, including:
- Amanda Williams, CIOB
- Martin Baxter, Deputy CEO, IEMA
- Sir John Armitt, Chair, National Infrastructure Commission
- Marco Lambertini, Conservation Specialist
- Dr Stephanie Wray, Director, NatureSpace
- Anusha Shar, President, Institution of Civil Engineers
- Nigel Silcock, Director, Exubia

Organisations such as AtkinsRéalis, Morgan Sindall Construction, Speedy Hire, and Birdlife International have contributed to the series, showcasing their commitment to integrating biodiversity considerations into construction projects.

Max Smith, founder and managing director of CWP, added: "This series highlights innovative approaches already making a difference. Our goal is to inspire the industry to adopt nature-first strategies, ensuring development works alongside environmental stewardship."

To watch The Nature of Building series and learn more about how the construction industry is responding to the biodiversity crisis, visit: thenatureofbuilding.ciob.org.