Biological diversity
Since the construction sector has a significant impact on the environment and nature, we need to take biodiversity into account when choosing the location for our projects, when designing our buildings and facilities, as well as during the construction period. This is to ensure that we preserve or restore nature on the site as much as possible and preferably add biological values to the site for a positive impact.
Green qualities in our built environment
As our cities grow and become denser, it becomes even more important to ensure that our extraction of materials from nature is sustainable and that there are green qualities in our built environment.
Development group biological diversity
Skanska has a development group that works to support projects, systematize the work with biodiversity, and develop tools and processes for the work. The work with biodiversity is carried out broadly within the organization under the leadership of Skanska's own ecologist. The group also participates in external networks and research and innovation projects. By considering biological values and ecosystem services early in a project, it is often possible to find cost-effective solutions and synergies between different positive effects that we want to achieve while contributing to managing climate change.
This is how we can work with biological diversity
Preserve areas of high natural value and at the same time make the apartments more attractive.
Actively seek land with conditions to develop biological diversity or reduce risks of negative impact and costly permit processes.
Build new natural environments that can function as habitats for species, flood areas, and carbon sinks in our projects. For example, in residential yards, public spaces, infrastructure environments, and marine environments.
Combine biochar beds with plantings for biological diversity.
Construct green meadow roofs that delay stormwater and reduce the load on the pipeline network, while offering habitats for insects and birds.
Focus on the impact of building materials on biodiversity in the value chain.
Enable cultivation in residential courtyards that create green environments, infiltrate stormwater, and become meeting places for the residents.
Implement measures for increased biological diversity in our quarries.
Initiative for change in the industry
To drive development forward, Skanska is one of several partners in the standardization work for calculating biodiversity. The work is based on our work with CLIMB, a tool for measuring biodiversity that we have developed in collaboration with several other large companies.
The idea is that companies should be able to credibly measure and communicate both their negative and positive impact on biodiversity. We have also signed the construction materials industry's roadmap for biodiversity and we are members of the biodiversity pact in the Gothenburg region. All to increase our opportunity for reduced impact and increased collaboration around biodiversity.
