Summary report due in June 2008. Reserve your copy

Download full report

Download Summary Report


Download full report

• Carbon
• Energy
• Renewables
• Water
• Waste
• Travel
• Exhibition
• Biodiversity
• Data

We work with a range of stakeholders to enhance biodiversity at our properties, including environmental consultants, local environmental groups such as the Tees Valley Wildlife Trust and our local property management teams. Initiatives have often involved occupiers, employees, local schools and local community groups as well. Local activities are guided by our Biodiversity Programme, published in 2005, and by our Biodiversity Action Plans. 22% of our managed properties are covered by Biodiversity Action Plans.

In 2007 the team at Teesside Shopping Park continued to work with the Tees Valley Wildlife Trust and environmental consultants to ensure that the on-site nature reserve provides a suitable environment for a range of species. Sightings of wildlife from around the site are regularly reported, including kingfishers and ruddy ducks. In 2007 the team installed gravel beds on the six floating islands to increase their suitability for roosting and nesting birds. Following the success of the bird rafts in 2006 they also introduced three more rafts so that there are now two on all ponds. Tees Valley Wildlife Trust placed 25 bird boxes and a number of bat boxes around the Park, as well as the six kingfisher perches the Teesside team installed. Three information boards were developed with Stockton Council, to highlight habitats and species of interest on the site, and provide information on wildlife management. The team is now setting up a wildlife sightings book.

British Land is very good, actually, at corporate social responsibility. It's a big tick for them. They are working with us a lot because we are also big on environmental issues. They have made good suggestions and implemented several initiatives.

Office occupier feedback 2007

We also work with environmental consultants, architects, construction contractors and other stakeholders to include measures to enhance biodiversity on our developments. Targets for our development at Osnaburgh Street and the North East Quarter in Regent's Place include introducing at least five new indigenous species, installing nesting boxes for the black redstart and improving the quantity and quality of green spaces within the public realm. Our teams will plant over 400 new trees and install over 150m² of green roofs. A range of recycled growing materials will be used on the green roofs, increasing the biodiversity value. Design plans include the separation of materials by a colour perforated aluminium divider which will also give an architectural structure to the roof, enhancing the appearance. At Ropemaker we are designating 50% of the available roof space as green roof. The green roof area will be partially covered with plants and soil over a waterproofing membrane. As well as enhancing biodiversity it will provide an attractive area for occupiers and enhance the appearance of the building.

At many of our properties green roofs represent one of the most effective means to enhance biodiversity. We have therefore been working with Arup since 2006 to trial a green roof system that can be retrofitted to existing roofs. In 2007 we continued to monitor the trial plots for diversity of plant species, percentage vegetation cover and speed of vegetation development. The trial demonstrated that biodiverse green roofs can be successfully established on a combination of lightweight substrates in less than 18 months. Based on the trial so far, recommendations to enhance biodiversity include developing green roofs containing different areas of Pellite, Roof Shingle and Zinco Soils, with Pellite used more than the others, and adding organic materials to Pellite substrates.

 

Search