Developing Biodiversity: Helping Nature Find a Way

The health of our natural environment is vital for us all. But how does the way the world builds impact the environment, and how can development actively have a positive effect? Today, we're exploring a major shift in how developers and city planners view nature. Protecting and integrating nature is no longer just a 'nice to have' – it's essential for climate resilience, community well-being, and even the long-term value of assets.

In this episode, we'll discover that 95% of construction's biodiversity impact happens off-site, within the supply chain. We explore how cities like Copenhagen are preserving and improving biodiversity by working with partners, and how developers are actively building for nature. 

Key takeaways:

• The holistic view of nature: Why nature is climbing the industry agenda, linking climate action to resilience, social value, and asset value.
• The hidden 95% impact: Understanding that the largest portion of construction's biodiversity impact occurs off-site, in material extraction and supply chains, rather than directly on the construction site.
• Copenhagen's strategy: How a frontrunner city integrates nature and biodiversity into urban development, setting specific targets for green spaces and forming partnerships with landowners.
• Developer's active role: Skanska's practical approach to building for biodiversity, including bringing biologists into early project stages, collecting native seeds, and collaborating with neighbors to create ecological corridors.

Featured Guests:

• Nanna Westerby Jensen, Director of City Planning, Copenhagen Municipality
• Rikke Dahlgaard, Sustainability Manager, Skanska Commercial Development in Denmark
• Nick Baker, Sustainable Supply Chain Manager, Skanska Group