Masterclass: Construction as a Conservation Tool

27 March at 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

How might construction become a mechanism to protect and restore our precious ecosystems?

Every time we build, we have an impact on local ecosystems, and with this comes an extraordinary opportunity to protect and restore nature. By choosing where we build, how we build and by committing to support and enhance ecosystems via our projects, we can shift construction from being part of the problem to part of the solution.

Recognising the opportunity for ecology and the value nature brings is the first step, and this course will equip you with the tools and insights you need to pitch for nature, to mobilise strategies for nature, to navigate design with an ecology lens, and to create solutions that embrace both humans and nature as customers.

Learning Level

This master class is an intermediate course, appropriate for those with general knowledge of and/or some experience with the topic. No prerequisite courses or knowledge are required; however, we encourage you to reflect on your experience to date integrating nature with the built environment and to bring to the sessions any questions you may have.

Learning outcomes

Understand what is meant by “nature positive” and it’s role within the built environment
Identify and evaluate biodiversity risks and opportunities on and off site
Understand the opportunity of doing this well
Explore how to effectively incorporate “nature positive initiatives” into strategic plans

5 CPD Points

We’ll discuss the key things you need to understand about ecology to be able to advocate and design for it, including:

An introduction to biodiversity
The ecology of a site including existing ecosystems, connectivity, risks and opportunities
Familiarise yourself with the Ecology of Place Imperative as part of the Living Building Challenge
Learn more about the embodied biodiversity impact of building materials
Insights into mechanisms to protect nature beyond the site

With the key goal of this course for you to walk away with a suite of nature tools ready to act on today.

Dates:

PLEASE NOTE: This masterclass will take place over two sessions: 27 March, 11am -1pm AND 1 May 11am -1pm.
This is the equivalent of a full day workshop broken up so it can be delivered effectively online.
Approximately 6-7 hours worth of time is required to complete this course with some homework between sessions.

Facilitators