CPD - Biodiversity Conservation in Construction: Planning and Protection

Protecting surroundings is the best practice even if the world switches to modernisation. This is because we can not live separately from nature and other habitats. Therefore, biodiversity conservation in construction has become very important. It ensures our surroundings still are a better home to live in for humans and other species.

You may see that the impact of climate change has hit humans very hard. Long winters, flooding, and an unexpected season have proven that our nature needs more attention. As humans, we can not always be greedy, as it will impact our lives, too. With this in mind, applying biodiversity conservation in construction can be a solution.

What is the purpose of biodiversity conservation in construction?

The purpose of biodiversity conservation in construction is to save our nature and animals, making it balanced for humans to live when doing construction projects. This action includes choosing building materials that are safe to use and can minimise effects on nature. A clear example is deforestation, which can endanger many species. It not only affects the climate but also destroys many habitats.

In addition, our planet has faced various challenges due to its damaged nature. We already face the lack of natural materials like wood and certain stones that are mainly used in construction. For that reason, biodiversity conservation in construction has become urgent to ensure humans can still live comfortably on Earth.

Ultimately, protecting our nature shall not be a hard action to take. It will not only save many habitats and species, but it will also benefit people. The result is that humans and biodiversity can live in balance while still having a chance to advance technology and modernisation in terms of developing buildings.

Programme Overview

The CPD - Biodiversity Conservation in Construction: Planning and Protection will explore the importance of saving nature and wildlife. As the world has lost many natural animals and plants, we need to take this action seriously. For that reason, the construction industry has a responsibility to build sustainable infrastructure in terms of making buildings stay longer and safer for the future.

Additionally, this course provides the learners with practical skills to be more aware in planning the building design. Participants will learn the things to consider when deciding on a place to build infrastructure. Along with that, you can also see what the best practice is to ensure a smooth process in construction while maintaining eco-friendliness.

Course Structure

This CPD will explain in detail why biodiversity conservation in construction is important. As it is a crucial aspect in terms of achieving structures without harming the environment, you need to integrate biodiversity protection plans in buildings. With that in mind, you can apply effective methods to achieve ecological balance while still meeting development objectives. Here are the things the speaker will cover:

1. Definition and importance of biodiversity
2. Key threats to biodiversity from construction
3. Industry standards and rules
4. Choosing project location while considering animals and plants
5. Sustainable design principles
6. Green infrastructure
7. Habitat restoration and compensation

Entry Standards

As climate change becomes a worldwide concern, taking the CPD - Biodiversity Conservation in Construction: Planning and Protection can help anyone to be more aware. That being said, everyone can join without a prior related background as a requirement. However, people who have the knowledge about sustainability construction can benefit from this course and boost their careers.

Why is biodiversity important in the building?

Biodiversity is important in building because everyone is responsible for taking care of nature, wildlife, and surroundings as it is our home. If we do good for our environment, such as complying with biodiversity conservation in construction, it will do the same for us, too. As many people are aware, the moment the forest is destroyed by humans, it will lead to flooding or landslides as a result, which affects our lives. 

For instance, you may have seen on the internet where elephants or snakes enter human houses, and it scares us fiercely. That is proof that they do not have safe places for their lives and come to a human's house as if it were their habitat. Therefore, training about biodiversity conservation in construction plays a vital role in tackling that.

Ways to mitigate construction’s impact on biodiversity

There are some ways you can mitigate construction’s negative impact on biodiversity. One of them is applying the idea of biodiversity conservation in construction. With that in mind, developing structures can be more thoughtful in order to protect the planet effectively. Furthermore, here are some ways you can apply in a project based on Reid Brewin Architects, a firm specialising in sustainable architectural projects:

• Cover hollow posts and beams: It may sound easy, but it has a big impact to prevent small animals from getting trapped inside.
• Consider planning around wildlife breeding seasons: If that is possible, you can plan your project at times that won’t disturb animals during their breeding season. It allows nature to continue as it aims for biodiversity conservation in construction.
• Do not pollute the soil: As construction work can affect the soil when they wash something, make sure the chemicals can be managed carefully to minimise contamination on the ground.
• Make sure you do not create accidental habitats: On large projects, some animals may create their new home as habitats. However, when the site is finished, it can cause problems.
• Use the right fencing: Fences have an objective to provide security. However, you should also consider the local wildlife. You can use small barriers for reptiles and stronger fences for larger mammals.
• Modern lighting: As technology advances, lights that use less energy can help this action. It focuses on turning on the light only when it is needed. Also, avoid using more light with unnecessary brightness, which can disturb nocturnal animals.
• Create an artificial habitat: Even though you need a little extra cost, you can add water sources to support local wildlife or safe places for reptiles so they will not disturb humans.

Species protection in the UK

In order to apply biodiversity conservation in construction, the United Kingdom (UK) has mandated the protection of amphibians. As they move between land and water, they are put at risk when infrastructure like roads or buildings arise. In Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, the UK has listed amphibian species that are protected below:

1. Natterjack toad
2. Common toad
3. Common frog
4. Pool frog
5. Great crested newt
6. Smooth newt
7. Palmate newt

These amphibians are seriously protected by the government, and it is illegal to disturb them. They are an important part of our nature that can naturally control bugs. They are also a food source for certain birds. With that in mind, protecting them means you protect more than half of our nature.

Dig deeper into biodiversity conservation in construction with CCM

As the application of biodiversity conservation in construction has become important, learning more about it can help you boost your construction career. With this, you can take part in this course with the College of Contract Management. The college will not only give you knowledge but also offer professional certification upon completing this course.

Furthermore, the CCM teams have flexibility in mind, offering people the opportunity to take part based on their convenience. As we understand, people with a construction background have busy days on the site, so we offer them to join whenever they are ready. As a result, they still can learn and boost their career afterwards whilst keeping focus on their responsibility.

The CPD - Biodiversity Conservation in Construction: Planning and Protection course will be shared on this page accordingly. The college is still awaiting confirmation of the lecturer's availability. Meanwhile, students can access the full content and learning materials once the billing process is complete. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the CCM team via email or live chat. They are always available to assist you!