Part of: Nature

Framework for a Nature-Positive Built Environment

Through this framework, we’re working to provide the clarity, tools, and guidance needed to ensure the built environment can take meaningful steps toward this goal—starting now.

What is Nature Positive?

We may be at a tipping point in our relationship with nature. The loss of biodiversity and the rapid degradation of ecosystems have reached critical levels, pushing us closer to irreversible changes. In response to this reality, the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) has set an ambitious goal to halt the loss of biodiversity by 2030 and begin to reverse it by 2050. The UK has followed, committing to protecting 30% of its land and seas by 2030, underscoring the need for immediate action.  

Amid this urgent need, the term “nature-positive” has emerged. Nature positive represents a collective effort to combat biodiversity loss and the negative impacts on the natural environment, transforming it into a shared goal: “A Global Goal for Nature Positive by 2030”.   

The built environment sector has a crucial role to play in achieving nature positive. This Framework provides key definitions, the steps and recommended actions needed to progress towards a nature-positive built environment.   

Calls to Action

This Framework brings the following calls to actions for the built environment sector:

1. Integrate nature into every decision

Place nature at the heart of decision-making, assess ecological impacts alongside climate, social and economic impacts. Every decision in the built environment shapes ecosystems and communities.

2. Act now with ambition and accountability

Set bold, measurable commitments and follow through with integrity and transparency. Encourage nature-positive actions across the entire value chain, onsite and offsite, so ambition translates into real outcomes.

3. Consider the whole lifecycle

Recognise the long-term ecological impacts of decisions and take action that restores natural systems, enhances biodiversity, and supports thriving, resilient places throughout their lifecycle.

4. Take a regenerative approach

Work through the steps for a nature-positive built environment, set and take actions that go beyond avoiding and reducing harm to nature to actively restore and regenerate ecosystems. Act locally whilst considering global goals and impacts.

5. Lead, collaborate and advocate for sustained action

Proactively engage across sectors, organisations, and disciplines to deliver integrated, lasting change. Champion policy shifts and best practice to enable sustained action.

Who is this framework for?

Everyone can and should play a role in avoiding and reducing harm, restoring, and regenerating the natural world. This framework provides key definitions, the steps and recommended actions needed to progress towards a nature-positive built environment. The key audiences for the framework are:

Design and construction teams:

architects, urban planners, engineers, ecologists, consultants, and contractors

Supply chain:

materials suppliers and product manufacturers

Building owners and occupiers:

developers, property and facilities managers, estate teams, and occupiers

Government:

local authorities, national and devolved administrations

Discover the Framework for a Nature Positive Built Environment here

Download here

Related Content

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Embodied ecological impacts

A new project considering the impacts on nature throughout the supply chain – looking at embodied impacts beyond carbon.
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Nature Based Solutions

Nature Based Solutions offer a wide range of benefits for both people and planet, and when implemented into our towns, cities & communities they are a key tool for tackling the combined climate and ecological crises.
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See the summary of the consultation and UKGBC’s response here:

Between May and June 2025 UKGBC held a public consultation on the key ideas and progress, building consensus on the proposals for the Framework for a nature-positive built environment. Feedback was sought from key organisations and across the built environment value chain. Thank you to all those who took time to respond to the consultation. This document summarises the consultation responses received and outlines the subsequent actions taken by UKGBC.
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Resilience & Nature Programme Partners

With thanks to our programme partners who make our work on nature possible.

Project Partners

With thanks to the following partners for making our Nature Positive work possible.