ecological adaptation of the built environment

The impacts of human development on the planet are becoming ever more apparent. The UN Millennium Ecosystem Assessment reports that our ecosystem - our 'natural life support system' - is in serious trouble, with extinction of species at an unprecedented rate and the loss of the biological diversity, natural resources and ecosystem services that we all depend on for life.

Climate change will only increase the vulnerability of our towns and cities, through overheating, flash flooding, poor air quality and water pollution. It is also estimated that our built environment is responsible for 25-40% of the world's energy consumption.

The built environment sector is therefore a key part of any genuinely 'sustainable' future.

Put simply - we need to reset the way we design, manage and improve our built environment.

The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005

Buildings and Climate Change, UNEP 2007