Live from edie 26: How can we integrate nature into buildings and infrastructure?

Are nature conservation and urban growth really incompatible? And how can nature be embedded into construction projects from the get-go? Find out in the new episode of the edie Extra podcast. Today, nature and biodiversity are at a crucial tipping point. Biodiversity is declining at a rapid rate, with wildlife populations plummeting by around 73% globally since 1970 . In the UK, 41% of species have decreased and 15% face extinction, making Britain one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. As the UK Government pushes ahead with plans to deliver 1.5 million new homes and 150 large infrastructure projects this Parliament, it will need to do so in a way that encourages nature conservation, restoration and creation – lest it risks related to nature loss escalating in the years to come. The business case for undertaking ambitious biodiversity and nature projects is becoming increasingly clear – from financial, reputational and risk perspectives. This is clear across the built environment value chain. But what does delivery look like in practice? Arup’s nature lead Tom Butterworth and the Crown Estate’s director of net-zero Lamé Verre explain all in this episode, which is chaired by edie’s senior reporter, Sidhi Mittal.