Nature-Based Solutions (NBSs) effectively address the need for targeted actions to mitigate the effects of climate change and enhance the well-being of communities and building occupants. They also meet market demands, such as alignment with ESG criteria and the European Taxonomy. What are Nature-Based Solutions, and how can we best design a building to implement them?
Among the various regulatory actions at the European level, Nature-Based Solutions are fully endorsed and promoted to achieve the Net Zero targets by 2030 and 2050.
In addition to the Green Deal, the Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 and the EU Adaptation Strategy are key drivers for promoting biodiversity and making Europe more resilient to climate change.
In fact, the European Union defines NBSs as:
Solutions that are inspired and supported by nature, which are cost-effective, simultaneously provide environmental, social, and economic benefits, and help build resilience. Such solutions bring more nature and natural processes into cities and landscapes through locally adapted, resource-efficient, and systemic interventions.
It has been shown that nature-based solutions help urban areas restore greenery to reduce carbon emissions, but also address issues such as soil impermeability, rising temperatures, and the loss of plant and animal species caused by urbanization.
Beyond the social value, NBSs can also provide economic advantages by increasing the value of your property and aligning it with the EU Taxonomy and ESG regulations.
Positive Effects of NBSs in Combating Climate Change
At the building level, integrating green walls, green spaces, vegetation, and using permeable materials brings social, economic, and reputational benefits.
Among the various environmental advantages that help achieve the goals of climate adaptation and crisis mitigation are:
- Carbon Emission Reduction: NBSs, such as urban forests, green roofs, and sustainable drainage systems, contribute to mitigating climate change by absorbing CO2, improving air quality, and reducing energy needs for heating and cooling buildings. These initiatives directly support the Environmental (E) criterion of ESG, helping to reduce the carbon footprint.
- Increase in Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services: NBSs, such as green corridors and wetland restoration, create essential habitats for wildlife, contributing to biodiversity goals and aligning with the EU Taxonomy requirements for biodiversity and ecosystem restoration.
- Climate Resilience: NBSs make real estate projects more resilient to climate risks such as floods, heatwaves, and storms. Green infrastructure, such as porous surfaces and floodplains, reduces the impact of extreme climate events, which is increasingly considered in risk assessments for ESG and the EU Taxonomy.
Social Value: Enhancing Community Well-being and Integration
Nature-Based Solutions (NBSs) improve community well-being and integration, contributing to the social value of ESG. The inclusion of green spaces like parks, gardens, and tree-lined streets in real estate and construction projects promotes better mental and physical health, increasing property value and fostering healthier communities. Moreover, NBSs actively involve local communities in the design and management of natural areas, promoting sustainable development and strengthening public engagement in environmental protection, aligned with the social component of ESG and EU Taxonomy priorities.
NBSs for ESG Governance and EU Taxonomy
The integration of Nature-Based Solutions (NBSs) into development projects helps promote sustainable planning and operations, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations regarding water management, emissions, and land use, in line with local, national, and EU sustainability standards. This approach strengthens ESG Governance by promoting transparency and corporate responsibility. NBSs offer measurable environmental outcomes, such as reducing urban heat islands and improving water quality, which can be transparently communicated, enhancing credibility with investors and stakeholders, particularly in the increasingly central field of sustainable finance in real estate.
NBSs are also crucial in ensuring projects meet the criteria of the EU Taxonomy, contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation, CO2 emission reduction, resilience, and sustainable water resource use, while protecting biodiversity—key elements for investment sustainability.
NBSs for Attracting Investors
Projects that integrate NBSs increase the value of real estate assets, making them more attractive to ESG-oriented investors and tenants. Such developments can more easily access green finance, such as sustainable bonds and loans, thanks to compliance with the environmental criteria required by the EU Taxonomy.
How to Certify the Impacts and NBS Solutions in Your Building
To assess NBSs in projects or buildings, Greenpass for Real Estate is a valuable ally. It helps design and certify buildings that integrate NBSs and are resilient to climate change.
The Greenpass software helps analyze the resilience of buildings to climate change by simulating the project and the implementation of NBSs based on six urban challenges (Climate, Air, Water, Biodiversity, Energy, Cost).
What You Can Do with Greenpass:
- In-depth analysis with AI and digital twin technology
- 28 KPIs for climate adaptation in real estate, aligned with ESG and CSRD reports
- Clear reports for ESG reporting
- Recognized certification and checks for EU Taxonomy alignment
With these analyses, Greenpass creates a clear report for ESG reporting. The Greenpass certification, recognized by financial institutions and banks, boosts your reputation and reliability for future investments.
Greenpass is also a certification that officially guarantees the impacts of your NBS solutions, enhancing the value of your building for external users and investors.
In addition to the software and certification, you can now quickly and easily verify your alignment with the European Taxonomy through the Taxonomy Check tool.
Integrating NBSs has never been so easy and advantageous!
Together, we can create resilient cities and add value to your buildings. At R2M Solution, we believe in the key role of sustainability as a social and economic value. Join the green innovation!
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