Zero carbon homes are an important step in the fight against climate change – but modern, efficient building design mustn’t give the cold shoulder to wildlife. The RSPB and other conservation partners have joined Bat Conservation Trust in a new guide which help architects and planners incorporate designs for wildlife into new buildings.
New standards now require buildings to be more energy efficient and air-tight. That’s great for reducing our fuel bills and carbon emissions but the loss of the nooks and crannies will impact upon birds and bats that thought they had a cosy little agreement allowing them to set up home in our buildings.
There are many options available to architects for incorporating spaces for biodiversity whilst still maintaining air-tightness of a building. These are explored in the recently published Designing for biodiversity: a technical guide for new and existing buildings. The book has been written by the Bat Conservation Trust with extensive input from the RSPB, Swift Conservation, Action for Swifts, Barn Owl Trust and Buglife.
The book provides written and pictorial guidance, with sections on different building-reliant species, general principles for design, off-the shelf products and the latest on legislation, policy and regulations. In addition, it includes new sections that give a wider and more holistic approach; enhancing biodiversity at the wider development level, not just for new developments but with refurbishment of our existing housing stock.
The typical architect, developer and building control officer of today should be aware of the need for low/zero carbon buildings. Designing for biodiversity is an invaluable tool that will help environmentally aware professionals and will perhaps prick the ‘green’ conscience of those yet to cross from the dark side.
Copies are can be purchased from www.ribabookshops.com