Boosting Biodiversity: BREEAM In-Use

Summary

This article provides a comprehensive guide to enhancing biodiversity within the built environment using the BREEAM In-Use standard. It explores practical steps to achieve BREEAM certification, emphasizing the importance of biodiversity in sustainable building practices. By following these guidelines, building owners and managers can improve their BREEAM scores and contribute to a healthier ecosystem.

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Boosting Biodiversity: A Practical Guide to BREEAM In-Use

The built environment? It has a massive impact on biodiversity, doesn’t it? That’s where BREEAM In-Use (BIU) comes in. It’s a really practical framework that building owners and managers can use to assess – and, crucially, improve – their environmental performance, and that includes biodiversity. I mean, think about it: we’re talking about everything from the tiniest insects to the plants that provide food and shelter. So, let’s dive into some actionable steps you can take to enhance biodiversity and nail that BREEAM certification.

Understanding BREEAM In-Use: It’s More Than Just a Rating

BREEAM In-Use assesses existing buildings. It covers all sorts of sustainability criteria, like land use and ecology, pushing for practices that minimize environmental impact and really give biodiversity a boost. Getting a good BIU rating? It’s not just a badge of honor; it shows you’re serious about sustainable building operations, and, let’s be honest, it can seriously increase your asset value. But what is biodiversity? It’s the sheer variety of life on Earth. From the microorganisms in the soil to the majestic redwood trees, it’s all connected.

Remember that thriving ecosystems provide essential services, like clean air and water and that without the insects our world would not function as it should. It’s all interwoven, and when one part suffers, we all do.

Step 1: Assess, Plan, and Then Plan Again

First things first, kick things off with a thorough ecological survey of your site. What’s already there? What are you working with? That’s what this helps you to identify. You want to pinpoint existing habitats, species – everything. This survey will identify potential areas for improvement. It’s important that a qualified ecologist handles this, that way you can be sure you are in compliance with BREEAM requirements.

Next up, develop a comprehensive biodiversity management plan. This outlines specific actions to enhance biodiversity, all based on those ecological survey findings. It’s essential. Oh, and make sure your plan aligns with local Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs) and the principles of the Convention on Biological Diversity. After all, you can’t work in isolation. One tip – when drafting up a plan, work with the local authority to ensure you’re in sync with them.

Step 2: Get Your Hands Dirty: Implementing Biodiversity Enhancements

So, how do you actually boost biodiversity in the built environment? Here are some ideas:

• Increase plant diversity: Introduce a mix of native trees, shrubs, plants, and wildflowers. This provides food and habitat for all sorts of species. Prioritise local species too, so you are supporting the existing ecosystem. And maybe get some input from some colleagues, have a team vote for the plants.

• Promote organic practices: Use peat-free compost and avoid chemical pesticides and fertilizers, simple. These minimize harm to wildlife and promote a healthier environment.

• Create ecological corridors: Connect fragmented habitats by creating pathways for mammals, birds, and invertebrates. This allows species to move freely and access resources. Think of it like highways for wildlife; I think that’s really cute.

• Install habitat features: Bird and bat boxes, insect hotels, water sources – these are all good for offering shelter and breeding grounds for wildlife. It’s amazing how quickly wildlife will colonise these; I once built a bug hotel and it was full within a week!

• Reduce hard landscaping: Replace paved areas with green spaces wherever possible. This creates more natural habitats and reduces surface runoff.

• Support priority species: Focus on enhancing habitats for species identified as priorities in local BAPs. This targeted approach contributes directly to regional conservation efforts.

Step 3: BREEAM Assessment: Show Off Your Hard Work

Okay, so you’ve implemented your biodiversity improvements. Time to engage a licensed BREEAM assessor. They’ll evaluate your building’s performance against established benchmarks and award credits based on your efforts. Make sure you’ve got all your ducks in a row. You’ll need to provide comprehensive documentation of everything you’ve done: the ecological survey, biodiversity management plan, and evidence of all completed actions.

If the assessment goes well, your building gets a BREEAM In-Use certification, which is a real pat on the back for its sustainability performance.

Step 4: Keep Going: Ongoing Monitoring and Improvement

BREEAM In-Use certification isn’t a one-and-done deal. It requires regular reassessments. This keeps you on your toes. It encourages continuous improvement and ensures your biodiversity efforts actually remain effective. It’s also worth continuously monitoring your site’s biodiversity. Tracking the impact of your actions is important and so is identifying areas for further enhancement. Update your management plan as needed and incorporating new information, adapting to changes in the environment too.

Extra Tips for Achieving Your BREEAM Certification

• Engage stakeholders early: Involve all relevant parties, including building occupants, landscapers, and maintenance staff, in the biodiversity enhancement process. Their support and participation is crucial for long-term success. It’s a team effort.

• Consider innovative solutions: Explore creative approaches to biodiversity enhancement, such as green roofs, living walls, and rainwater harvesting systems. Think outside the box; green roofs aren’t the only solution. And think about the costs of implementing each idea too. Is it going to be worth it?

• Communicate your efforts: Highlight your commitment to biodiversity by promoting your BREEAM certification and sharing your successes with stakeholders and the wider community. Don’t be afraid to shout about it!

So, there you have it. By embracing these actionable steps, building owners and managers can enhance biodiversity within their built environment, achieve BREEAM certification, and contribute to a more sustainable future. Isn’t that something we all want?