Main author
Multiple Author ArticleBREEAM Enhancing site ecology
Contents |
[edit] Aim and benefits
To encourage enhancement in the ecology of the site post development.
[edit] When to consider
Criteria 1 of this credit required a Suitably Qualified Ecologist to be appointed by the end of RIBA Stage 1 or equivalent.
During RIBA Stage 2, the ecologist must conduct a site visit/survey, and produce a report.
During RIBA Stage 1, the ecologist will likely only provide very high level advice. During stage 2 hoever, they’re likely to provide detailed ecological recommendations based on their site survey.
[edit] Step by step guidance
Prior/during RIBA stage 2 - ensure a Suitably Qualified Ecologist is appointed
RIBA stage 4 - a BREEAM compliant report from the ecologist to be ready. Preferably the ecologist can use the BRE’s Guidance on relating ecology reports template, which is available on knowledge base
Client/contractor to confirm commitment to imply ecologist’s ‘additional’ recommendations
Refer to BREEAM Minimising impact on existing site ecology for more information
[edit] Questions to ask while seeking compliance
- Was a Suitably Qualified Ecologist appointed during RIBA Stage 1? [Remember, RIBA Stage 1 might have lasted since, for instance, a previous planning application]
- Was an ecology report produced by a Suitably Qualified Ecologist during RIBA Stage 2?
- Did the ecology report include a pack of recommendations?
- Have we included more species post development than pre-development?
[edit] Tools and resources
BREEAM UK New Construction 2014 Issue 5.0: LE 04 Enhancing Site Ecology
[edit] Tips and best practice
- Use any available enhancements to the site in an infill construction where there is no space for ecological enhancements within the site
- The Ecologist must have been on board from early stages
- Seek opportunities for off-site ecological enhancement specially for developments in lands with high ecological value and with the risk of removing species - refer to knowledge base note ref:: KBCN0651
[edit] Typical evidence
- Confirmation that the ecologist was appointed prior to RIBA Stage 1 and that they meet the definition of a Suitably Qualified Ecologist. Where appointed at a later stage, the ecologist must confirm that this has not hindered their ability to make recommendations or maximise potential ecological enhancement.
- Copy the Ecologist’s Report or completed GN13 template listing the ecologist’s recommendations for ecological enhancement and calculations to show the increase in plant species from the existing to the proposed site.
- Landscape/site plans for the existing and proposed site
- Written confirmation from the project team that the recommendations of the ecologist will be included within the final design.
- As built landscape plans
- Assessor site inspection/photos showing the recommendations and planting schemes have been implemented.
- Where the landscape is not complete at the time of the inspection, due to phasing or it not being an appropriate planting season, written confirmation that any planting will be completed within 18months from the completion of the development.
[edit] Applicable Schemes
The guidelines collated in this ISD aim to support sustainable best practice in the topic described. This issue may apply in multiple BREEAM schemes covering different stages in the life of a building, different building types and different year versions. Some content may be generic but scheme nuances should also be taken into account. Refer to the comments below and related articles to this one to understand these nuances. See this document for further guidelines.
- First issue written with regard to BREEAM UK New Construction 2014 Issue 5.0
This document was originally created on 7/2/18 in a collaboration of the following BREEAM Professionals: Jane Morning, Cat Clarkson and Azita Dezfouli,
BRE Global does not endorse any of the content posted and use of the content will not guarantee the meeting of certification criteria.
--Multiple Author Article 22:15, 21 Apr 2018 (BST)
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Biodiversity.
- Biodiversity in the urban environment.
- Biodiversity net gain consultation.
- Biodiversity offsetting.
- Biophilia.
- BREEAM Long term impact on biodiversity.
- Ecological baseline.
- Ecological network.
- Ecological impact assessment.
- Ecology.
- Ecology compensation.
- Environmental impact assessment.
- Environmental net gain.
- Habitat Suitability Index.
- Nature improvement area.
- Natural environment white paper.
- The future of green infrastructure.
Featured articles and news
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation which closes 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.