Delivering biodiversity benefits through green infrastructure

The term “green infrastructure” can be used to describe the integrated aspects of the design and construction of a civil engineering project that deliver a strategically planned network of natural and manmade green land) and blue (water) spaces that sustain biodiversity and natural processes. Well designed green infrastructure (GI) that is incorporated early in the project has the potential to have many different functions, as it can provide a broad range of ecosystem services with benefits to the economy and society. This guide aims to give clear messages about the goals and objectives of GI for the construction industry. It also seeks to serve as a tool to enable construction professionals to work together with other disciplines to maximise the opportunities presented by civil engineering and building projects, to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem services through GI, while minimising any negative effects on the environment.