The Sustainable Real Estate Observatory and the Biodiversity Impulsion Group program decipher LCA Biodiversity in Building practice

In a recent study, the Sustainable Real Estate Observatory evangelizes and deciphers the complexity of Biodiversity LCA in order to enlighten all Real Estate stakeholders on this tool which raises many questions for the entire sector .

The real estate sector is a major contributor to biodiversity loss

Multiple anthropogenic pressures on the environment threaten biodiversity as well as human populations, particularly indigenous communities and socially disadvantaged groups. There is a need to consider the impacts of real estate activities on these populations, ensuring that they do not disproportionately bear the adverse consequences on their environment and livelihoods. In the real estate sector, the concept of “grey biodiversity” refers to the impact of a building on biodiversity, over its entire life cycle.

And the figures are intended to be unequivocal:

• According to ADEME, there are 51 million tonnes of materials dedicated to new construction in France;
• Globally, the real estate sector is responsible for 30% of biodiversity loss according to the World Economic Forum.
• UNEP predicts a 40% increase in the consumption of materials for construction between 2020 and 2040.

In this context, Building Biodiversity Life Cycle Analysis emerges as an essential instrument in the preservation of biodiversity.

Biodiversity LCA as a roadmap for the real estate sector

To strengthen the integration of biodiversity into the strategies and activities of city and real estate stakeholders, the OID is today looking at the subject of LCA and providing insight through a comprehensive study available on its resources platform, Taloen.

The study “From concept to reality: Biodiversity LCA in building practice” highlights the main biodiversity indicators specifically adapted to LCA.

These must be simple to use and understand, in order to effectively compare the impacts of different alternatives. At the same time, it is imperative to improve knowledge of the impacts of anthropogenic activities on biodiversity. This requires carrying out in-depth scientific research as well as sharing knowledge between the different actors involved. In addition, the development of decision support tools and methods is crucial. These tools should allow decision-makers to take into account the impacts of biodiversity in their choices. In this regard, initiatives are emerging to promote the effective integration of biodiversity concerns into the design, construction and operation processes of buildings. In addition to guiding decisions towards the preservation of the environment, the Building Biodiversity LCA is an effective tool for reducing the risk of litigation by providing an objective basis for evaluating the impacts of the project on biodiversity. Through awareness campaigns, LCA also helps inform the general public about the importance of preserving biodiversity in the construction and use of buildings.

The full study is available here.