Nature-based solutions
Making Mission Possible - Delivering A Net-Zero Economy, published by the Energy Transitions Commission (ETC) in September 2020, defines nature-based solutions as: ‘Actions to protect, sustainably manage and restore natural or modified ecosystems which constitute natural carbon sinks, while simultaneously providing human, societal and biodiversity benefits.’
The National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy for England, Glossary, published by the Environment Agency in 2020, defines nature based solutions as: ‘Activities to reduce the risk of flooding or coastal change which are inspired by the processes and functions of nature. Examples include, reconnecting rivers with their natural floodplain or creating new areas where water can be stored. Natural flood management and creation and provision of green-infrastructure are examples of Nature based solutions.’
PAS 2080:2023 Carbon management in buildings and infrastructure, second edition, published by The British Standards Institution in March 2023, defines nature-based solutions as: ‘…actions to protect, sustainably manage and restore natural or modified ecosystems that address societal challenges effectively and adaptively, simultaneously providing human well-being and biodiversity benefits. NOTE Nature-based contributions to decarbonization could be by: 1) providing infrastructure services (e.g. flood protection, urban cooling) and avoiding the need for capital and operational carbon from the equivalent grey/ hard infrastructure (e.g. flood defences, air conditioning); 2) actively removing carbon from the atmosphere by enhancing natural ecosystem diversity and re-instating the natural carbon cycle, hence increasing carbon sequestration in the above ground vegetation (e.g. trees) and the soil that supports it. Worked examples are provided in the Guidance document for PAS 2080.’
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Carbon capture and storage.
- Carbon emissions.
- Carbon factor.
- Carbon footprint.
- Carbon negative.
- Carbon neutral.
- Carbon plan.
- Carbon price.
- Carbon terminology.
- Carbon.
- Decarbonise.
- Decarbonisation solutions.
- Embodied carbon.
- Low carbon.
- Making Mission Possible: report on achieving a zero-carbon economy by 2030.
- Natural carbon sinks.
- Net-zero carbon.
Featured articles and news
An architectural movement to love or hate.
Don’t take British stone for granted
It won’t survive on supplying the heritage sector alone.
The remarkable story of a Highland architect.
The Constructing Excellence Value Toolkit
Driving value-based decision making in construction.
Meet CIOB event in Northern Ireland
Inspiring the next generation of construction talent.
Reasons for using MVHR systems
6 reasons for a whole-house approach to ventilation.
Supplementary Planning Documents, a reminder
As used by the City of London to introduce a Retrofit first policy.
The what, how, why and when of deposit return schemes
Circular economy steps for plastic bottles and cans in England and Northern Ireland draws.
Join forces and share Building Safety knowledge in 2025
Why and how to contribute to the Building Safety Wiki.
Reporting on Payment Practices and Performance Regs
Approved amendment coming into effect 1 March 2025.
A new CIOB TIS on discharging CDM 2015 duties
Practical steps that can be undertaken in the Management of Contractors to discharge the relevant CDM 2015 duties.
Planning for homes by transport hubs
Next steps for infrastructure following the updated NPPF.
Access, history and Ty unnos.
The world’s first publicly funded civic park.
Exploring permitted development rights for change of use
Discussing lesser known classes M, N, P, PA and L.
CIOB Art of Building photo contest 2024 winners
Fresco School by Roman Robroek and Once Upon a Pass by Liam Man.