Eco-friendly buildings and biodiversity

Our eco-friendly buildings

Biodiversity

Biodiversity’s vital role in the urban environment

Nearly a fifth of the planet’s land is affected by soil degradation, jeopardising biodiversity and the survival of many species. Over the last 25 years, the risk of species extinction has increased by 10%.

In this critical context, regulations are becoming stricter. The construction industry is required to halve the rate of urban sprawl every ten years.

GSE is resolutely committed to preserving biodiversity in every one of its projects.

 

Our aim is to turn these ethical and regulatory constraints into assets for your projects

What biodiversity means in human settlements

Urban biodiversity is defined as the balanced and natural presence of a diversity of plants, animals and micro-organisms in the built environment. This includes green spaces such as gardens, green roofs, green walls and integrated wildlife habitats.

 

On our construction sites, biodiversity also means taking the flora and fauna into account at the design stage – so that we can take all the necessary measures to integrate the existing natural habitat into the project as effectively as possible. Throughout the project, our environmental engineer is on hand to suggest the best solutions to protect biodiversity.

The challenges of urban biodiversity

Biodiversity in built environments brings many benefits. First and foremost, it helps to maintain an ecological balance in urban areas. What’s more, it encourages regional development by creating attractive places to live and work and by promoting sustainable, resilient neighbourhoods.

 

Biodiversity plays an essential role in restoring the urban ecological balance and in supporting wildlife – which fosters healthier ecosystems at the heart of towns & cities.

Building nature into your project

Structural constraints

Our team of biodiversity engineers works closely with our structural experts to design high-quality outdoor spaces. They take into account the entire project, including the interconnection of green corridors and the creation of natural habitats.

 

Knowledge and awarness-building

Ignoring the benefits of biodiversity in the built environment can hinder its protection & development. Contributing to all our projects, our environmental engineer advises on both basic solutions and more innovative approaches.

 

Management and maintenance

Ensuring sustainable biodiversity in the built environment requires appropriate management and maintenance programmes. Our teams can help you select service providers and advise you on how to maintain an eco-responsible approach over the long term.

The environmental and economic benefits of urban biodiversity

Biodiversity offers many ecological benefits that support the environment, human health and the economy.

 

Restoring the urban ecosystem
Biodiversity encourages the natural regeneration of the urban environment, helping to reduce the ecological impact of city infrastructures.

 

Improving air quality
Plants play a crucial role in purifying air by capturing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, thereby reducing atmospheric pollution.

 

Preserving habitats & species
Incorporating habitats for flora & fauna in urban areas helps to protect native species and their natural environment.

 

Biodiversity in human settlements also delivers financial benefits. It reduces stormwater management costs and increases the value of your site by creating attractive green spaces in the community.

Our commitment

Our key goals are to:

  • Integrate biodiversity from the earliest stages of urban planning and building design, thanks to our Green Buildings team and our in-house environmental engineer.

 

  • Raise awareness among communities and decision-makers of the benefits of biodiversity, with the main objectives of limiting urban sprawl, encouraging the renovation, rehabilitation and redevelopment of brownfield sites, increasing soil permeability and strengthening green and blue belts.

 

  • Establish partnerships between public and private bodies and civil society to support the implementation of urban biodiversity. In July 2021, GSE joined the AFILOG charter, a reciprocal commitment between the French government and 41 logistics industry players.