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
Call for greater recognition of professional standards
Chartered bodies representing more than 1.5 million individuals have written to the UK Government.
Cutting carbon, cost and risk in estate management
Lessons from Cardiff Met’s “Halve the Half” initiative.
Inspiring the next generation to fulfil an electrified future
Technical Manager at ECA on the importance of engagement between industry and education.
Repairing historic stone and slate roofs
The need for a code of practice and technical advice note.
Environmental compliance; a checklist for 2026
Legislative changes, policy shifts, phased rollouts, and compliance updates to be aware of.
UKCW London to tackle sector’s most pressing issues
AI and skills development, ecology and the environment, policy and planning and more.
Managing building safety risks
Across an existing residential portfolio; a client's perspective.
ECA support for Gate Safe’s Safe School Gates Campaign.
Core construction skills explained
Preparing for a career in construction.
Retrofitting for resilience with the Leicester Resilience Hub
Community-serving facilities, enhanced as support and essential services for climate-related disruptions.
Some of the articles relating to water, here to browse. Any missing?
Recognisable Gothic characters, designed to dramatically spout water away from buildings.
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.