{"id":53264,"date":"2026-07-22T01:00:25","date_gmt":"2026-07-21T23:00:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.swecobelgium.be\/?post_type=blog&p=53264"},"modified":"2026-07-16T17:02:38","modified_gmt":"2026-07-16T15:02:38","slug":"building-with-nature-how-architecture-and-biodiversity-go-hand-in-hand","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/www.swecobelgium.be\/en\/news\/building-with-nature-how-architecture-and-biodiversity-go-hand-in-hand\/","title":{"rendered":"Building with nature: how architecture and biodiversity go hand in hand"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Our cities are growing. Yet as we build, nature is disappearing. The built environment has a significant impact on biodiversity<\/a>: natural habitats often have to give way to new construction projects, while highly fragmented landscapes and the high proportion of paved surfaces in cities make it difficult for animals to move safely from one green space to another.<\/strong><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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The city as an ecosystem<\/h2>\n
Nature-inclusive building directly addresses this challenge by contributing to local biodiversity<\/a> through targeted interventions, expanding habitats for species and improving the permeability of the built environment. Working with nature is not only in the interest of plants and animals \u2013 it is above all in the interest of people themselves.<\/p>\n
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Research shows that less access to greenery in residential environments is associated with poorer mental health and lower wellbeing.<\/li>\n
Studies often show higher levels of social interaction, neighbourhood cohesion and perceived safety in greener, better-maintained public spaces.<\/li>\n
Nature and biodiversity<\/a> support carbon storage, air purification and wider health benefits.<\/li>\n
Nature in the city increases resilience to climate change, helping to combat urban heat islands, pollution and flooding.<\/li>\n
Nature-inclusive building increases the market value of real estate. A healthier living environment with greater comfort is more attractive in the rental and sales markets.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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At least<\/div>\n
3<\/span><\/h1>\n
trees are visible from your home<\/td>\n
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Tree canopy cover is at least<\/div>\n
30<\/span><\/h1>\n
% in your neighbourhood<\/td>\n
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You live no more than<\/div>\n
300 <\/span><\/h1>\n
metres from a public green space<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
At Sweco, we believe that every building project is an opportunity: an opportunity to see buildings not as closed volumes, but as active contributors to a healthy living environment \u2013 for people and for nature.<\/p>\n
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Download our Urban Insight report on regenerative cities<\/a><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n
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From roof to surroundings: an integrated approach<\/h2>\n
Nature-inclusive building is not a series of isolated interventions.
\nIt is an integrated approach in which the building and its surroundings are considered as one.
\nIt starts with the right approach – and the right people around the table.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n
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Start with what is already there.<\/h4>\n
A development site always has an ecological history.<\/p>\n
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Which animals are already present?<\/li>\n
Which trees, shrubs or water features are already present?<\/li>\n
Which ecological corridors run through or along the site?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
By understanding and respecting these existing qualities, you build on a living foundation – and avoid the unnecessary loss of valuable habitats.<\/p>\n
Did you know?<\/h5>\n
One mature tree that is felled must be replaced by 400 newly planted trees to deliver the same benefits.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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Involve an ecologist from the very first sketch.<\/h4>\n
Every animal species has its own specific needs: the swift needs a clear flight path to its nest entrance, the house sparrow needs dust baths, and bats only thrive where there is sufficient darkness.<\/p>\n
An ecologist brings this knowledge into the process from the start of the design phase. Moreover, nature-inclusive building is often cheaper than expected: simple, low-tech measures included at the drawing board often involve no additional cost.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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The building itself as a habitat.<\/h4>\n
From fa\u00e7ade to roof, a building offers opportunities to increase biodiversity<\/a> while also delivering benefits for end users and the surrounding area.<\/p>\n
Green roofs support biodiversity<\/a>, water retention and cooling.
\nGreen fa\u00e7ades help reduce particulate matter, provide insulation, and offer food and shelter for insects and birds.
\nIntegrated nesting facilities – such as nest bricks, bat roof tiles or cavity openings – give protected species a permanent place, without compromising energy performance or architectural quality.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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The immediate surroundings as an extension.<\/h4>\n
The building is only one part of the story. The immediate surroundings – with native trees and shrubs, flower-rich borders, wadis and unpaved zones – are at least as important.<\/p>\n
A good guideline here is the eight key requirements that animal species need<\/strong>:<\/p>\n
Reproduction – Food – Water – Dispersal – Safety – Limited disturbance – Connection – Variation<\/p>\n
By incorporating all these needs into the design, you create a robust and vibrant urban ecosystem.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n
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