How a biodiversity strategy can support a project's DGNB certification

Sustainability is one of the cornerstones in the development of Grundfos’ new headquarters in Bjerringbro and the project aim for achieving platinum certification from DGNB. To obtain this goal several sustainability requirements must be documented in a holistic approach. One of these requirements deals with considerations for nature and biodiversity, which is managed in a project specific biodiversity strategy developed by NIRAS. 

The development og the strategy included a series of steps. The first step dealt with mapping of existing nature values on site, a so-called "baseline" mapping, as required by the latest DGNB manual from 2023. The mapping ensures knowledge of existing nature values and enables protection and integration of valuable nature elements into the planning and future design of the site.  

The pre-construction nature values were mapped during a survey in August 2023. Up until that point, the area had been subject to annual mowing to keep the vegetation rather low. 

During the survey, registrations of plants (herbs, shrubs, and trees) within the project area were carried out along with protected species from the Habitat Directive Annex IV. Protected species and nature areas in the neighbouring areas were also mapped. 

Native plant species provide good food sources for insects. 

Data from the baseline mapping where subsequently used as input in the development of the biodiversity strategy for the site. The strategy provides a detailed description of how nature and biodiversity are to be preserved, established, and enhanced in connection with the development of the project. 

Throughout the project, the aim was to ensure that larger parts of the area were designated as open areas that enhance the overall biodiversity of the site. Among other things, the strategy recommended preservation of existing old oak trees on the project site, as these support the existing habitats and heterogeneity in the area and may promote the colonisation of future, newly established subareas. The biodiversity strategy emphasises the use of native plant species in the project, as these generally provide habitats and food sources for more species of insects than exotic species. 

The strategy also suggests sowing of seed mixtures carefully selected to the project area: One seed mixture is proposed for dry and open areas and one mixture for the afforestation areas within the project area. The selection of species in the seed mixtures are adapted to soil type in the areas for sowing and selected to complement the existing species community at the site. 

The mixtures ensure a long flowering period, which will provide a food throughout the season for the insects that feed on the flowers’ pollen and nectar. The first species start flowering in March, while the latest species will bloom until October. After sowing seed mixtures, adaptation and change in the species composition will occur in the following years, as new plant species colonize, while some of the seeded species may disappear. 

Finally, the strategy outlines a plan on how to eliminate invasive species in the area, as these can outcompete more sensitive native species. In connection with the sustainability certifications, an action plan for the control of these invasive species has been drawn up. 

The overall goal of the biodiversity strategy is to strengthen biodiversity in the project area. By striving for the goals and following the methods in the strategy, space and conditions can be created for many different plant and animal species in the area. 

A biodiversity strategy can be developed for many different types of projects. Nature and biodiversity considerations should always be included in a building process where you want to create interaction and synergy between property development, environment, and nature.