Part of: Nature

Framework Definition for a Nature Positive Built Environment

Through this Framework Definition, 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.

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 industry has a crucial role to play here, but the big question is how. Through this Framework Definition, 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. 

Aim of the Framework

The urgency to act is clear, but amidst growing commitments, the meaning of “nature-positive” is at risk of getting lost. This global goal is lacking clarity and guidance in the details and application, making it prone to greenwashing and misuse. The same questions remain unanswered:
Learning from nature
What does it truly mean for a project or organisation to align with global nature goals?
What are the essential actions that enable a building, project, or company to contribute meaningfully?

And ultimately, can a building, project, or organisation be nature-positive?

What are the objectives of the work?

This project will create a high-level framework definition for the built environment which aims to ensure that the concept of nature positivity translates into the built environment in a meaningful way. It does that by: 

Providing clarity

by defining what Nature Positive means for the built environment and clarifying key terms.

Providing global context

to ongoing nature-related efforts, highlighting and strengthening existing tools.

Providing rigour and accountability

for nature positivity via a stringent and shared set of principles for the industry as well as providing recommendations and examples that subsectors across the industry can relate to.

Developing a clear understanding

of the challenges behind the goal of a nature-positive built environment and providing best practice examples

Shaping the Framework: A Collaborative & Industry-Driven Approach

We’re building this Framework through a dynamic and inclusive process, ensuring it is holistic, practical, and tailored to the needs of the built environment. This includes:

  • Task Group Expertise – Bringing together industry leaders via online and in-person meetings to shape the foundations. 
  • Collaboration Cafés – Open discussions to gather diverse perspectives. 
  • Background research – performing literature reviews, and taking part in events to consider and integrate, as appropriate, what is already happening worldwide 
  • Targeted Interviews – Deep dives with key stakeholders to refine insights. 
  • Industry Consultation – A broad call for input to ensure the Framework is robust, relevant, and widely supported. 

Related content

Embodied Ecological Impacts

The impact of the materials we use in our built environment is not limited to carbon emissions. This knowledge hub explores the global ecological impacts of the building materials we use in the UK, and how to avoid harm and maximise nature-positivity.

The Value of Urban Nature Based Solutions

UKGBC have launched guidance to increase the use of urban nature-based solutions through the identification of their holistic value and variety of beneficiaries, which can generate innovative financing opportunities.

climate resilience nature based solutions