Improving living quality and resilience of buildings and cities of the future

Diversity of animal and plant species is essential for air and water quality, food security and human health. Habitat destruction, pollution and land-use changes are jeopardizing biodiversity worldwide. At Drees & Sommer, we focus on both protecting and enhancing urban biodiversity, and harnessing it in an intelligent way.

Our approach to sustainable urban and district development involves planning and developing tailor-made green infrastructure that cools buildings, stores rainwater, increases user amenity, creates value and enhances user experience. 

What nature does for us – ecosystem services

Ecosystem services are crucial for humankind and the natural environment. These services are provided by intact ecosystems and the natural diversity of animal and plant species. They form the basis for our day-to-day lives and well-being. 

Biodiversity makes a global contribution to nutrition, water supply and climate regulation by filtering air and water, pollinating plants and producing biomass. But it also brings huge benefits at the local level: 

• Regulation of the microclimate  
• Natural protection against heatwaves and flood events  
• Health and well-being of users  
• Reduction of CO2 and air pollutants

Decline in biodiversity jeopardizes the natural environment, humankind and the economy

But the extensive services provided by natural ecosystems are in jeopardy. Biodiversity is currently declining at a faster rate than ever before: Since 1970 alone, global biodiversity has declined 69 percent – a rate unprecedented in the history of the planet (source: Living Planet Report 2022). The result is accelerating deterioration of food and raw material production, disrupted nutrient, water and air cycles, and increased risk of flood and drought events.

Protecting urban biodiversity – for a livable future

The primary goal is to ensure that our ecosystems are protected and that the natural environment remains intact. For this reason, the first step must always be to clarify whether a new building is actually needed. It is often not only more ecologically sound, but also more economical, to continue using existing buildings or to selectively upgrade brownfield sites. The key question is always: How can a project be implemented in a way that is compatible with nature?

Integrating biodiversity into project planning at the building, district and city level is equally beneficial to both people and the natural environment. Construction and development projects can provide habitat for animals and plants, allowing them to benefit from green infrastructure.

At Drees & Sommer, this combination of sustainability, responsibility and very tangible benefits is the key focus of every project. 

Intelligent planning – harnessing biodiversity

Drees & Sommer helps you to plan and implement measures to protect biodiversity. This includes modules such as: 

• Detailed analysis of the portfolio and potential  
• Advice on sustainable outdoor spaces and parkland that is in harmony with nature  
• Professional strategy and concept development  
• Auditing for the DGNB ‘Biodiversity-promoting exterior spaces’ certification  
• Integration of biodiversity for building and urban district sustainability certificates (DGNB, BNB, LEED and BREEAM)  
• Reliable review of potential sources of subsidies  
• Implementing the concept  
• Monitoring and performance review of measures

We look forward to hearing from you!