Framework for a Nature-Positive Built Environment

This Framework provides clarity, guidance and steps to ensure the built environment sector can take meaningful action towards nature positive.
Nature Framework for a Nature Positive Built Environment Guidance
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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.   

This framework provides:

Definitions

of the nature positive concept for the built environment sector to enable a shared understanding.

Eight steps and recommended actions

to align with the concept. The actions complement existing regulations and guidance and are mapped against the lifecycle of a built asset and its scopes of impact.

A set of five calls to action

that can guide and accelerate the uptake of nature-positive actions across the sector.

Download the framework here

Nature Positive Cover



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

Nature is the very foundation that underpins our economy, our safety and our wellbeing, not just an optional extra for the built environment.”  

Simon Mcwhirter, chief executive, UKGBc



Resilience & Nature Partners

Our climate change adaptation work is supported by our Resilience & Nature Partners.

Framework for a Nature-Positive Built Environment Project Partners

Thank you to the generous support of our project partner.

Nature

Nature is in crisis.  The built environment has a critical role to play in protecting and restoring nature and moving to a regenerative model of development.
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