Summary
This collection of ten case studies showcases practical examples of how biodiversity can be enhanced through construction, housing, public infrastructure and community projects across Ireland. The publication highlights real projects that demonstrate how nature-based solutions and regenerative design can help create healthier, more sustainable places while delivering benefits for people, wildlife and local communities.
The book was authored by Irene Rondini and Marion Jammet of the Irish Green Building Council (IGBC) as part of the Construct Innovate Seed Fund project Building Regenerative Towns & Cities. The project was funded by Construct Innovate and supported by the Land Development Agency. The publication also drew on the expertise of biodiversity and built environment specialists, including Susan Vickers, alongside contributors from the IGBC team and a multidisciplinary steering group representing industry, government and environmental organisations.
The case studies were developed in collaboration with more than 20 organisations from across Ireland’s construction, housing, planning and environmental sectors. Contributors included Cairn Homes, Clúid Housing, Glenveagh, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Monaghan County Council, Cork County Council, The Heritage Council, National Biodiversity Data Centre, River Basin Management Service, Tuath Housing, and many others. Together, these partners have created a valuable resource that showcases proven approaches to integrating biodiversity into the built environment. The publication provides practical inspiration for developers, designers, local authorities and policymakers seeking to embed nature-positive solutions into future projects and support the transition towards more regenerative towns and cities.
Scale of the Challenge
Ireland is facing a significant biodiversity crisis, with many native species and habitats under increasing pressure from urban development, infrastructure projects, land-use change and climate change. While construction is essential to meet national priorities such as housing delivery, transport improvements and economic growth, it can also impact natural ecosystems if biodiversity is not considered throughout the project lifecycle. At the same time, there is growing recognition that the built environment can play a positive role in restoring nature and improving ecological resilience. However, many organisations lack access to practical Irish examples that demonstrate how biodiversity can be successfully integrated into buildings, public spaces and infrastructure. The challenge is therefore not only environmental but also one of knowledge sharing and implementation. By documenting proven approaches from across Ireland, this publication aims to bridge that gap, helping industry professionals, local authorities and policymakers move from ambition to action and deliver development that supports both people and nature.
Key Results
The project resulted in a curated collection of ten high-quality Irish case studies demonstrating practical ways to protect and enhance biodiversity across a range of building typologies and infrastructure projects. Developed through collaboration between industry, local authorities, housing providers, environmental organisations and biodiversity experts, the publication showcases real-world examples of nature-positive design and delivery. The case studies highlight successful measures such as habitat creation, pollinator-friendly landscaping, biodiversity management plans, ecological restoration and nature-based solutions integrated into developments. By bringing these examples together in one accessible resource, the project provides practical guidance and inspiration for the wider construction sector. It also strengthens knowledge exchange between organisations and promotes the adoption of regenerative approaches across future projects. The publication supports Construct Innovate’s mission of accelerating innovation in the built environment while contributing to national biodiversity and sustainability objectives, ultimately helping to create towns and cities that are more resilient, healthier and better connected with nature.
10 Irish Case Studies
Case Study 1: Development Near Protected Areas
The National Forensic Mental Health Service (NFMHS) in Portrane demonstrates how major healthcare infrastructure can be developed beside ecologically sensitive areas while achieving biodiversity enhancement. Located near several protected Natura 2000 sites, the project integrated biodiversity considerations from the earliest design stages through the involvement of an ecologist and the preparation of a Biodiversity Management Plan. The development combined habitat protection, woodland expansion, invasive species control, sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), and the creation of new wetlands, grasslands, wildlife corridors, bat roosts, and bird nesting opportunities. More than 15,000 native trees were planted and stormwater was redirected to restore an adjacent wetland rather than installing a conventional attenuation tank. The project also prioritised health and wellbeing by creating sensory gardens and maintaining visual connections to nature throughout the hospital campus. Extensive collaboration between healthcare professionals, ecologists, engineers, architects and the local community resulted in a facility that supports both patient recovery and long-term ecological resilience.
Case Study 2: Living Roofs
This case study explores how green roofs can increase biodiversity and climate resilience in dense urban environments. Focusing on The Observatory and 1 Windmill Lane buildings in Dublin’s Docklands, the project evaluated opportunities to upgrade existing rooftop spaces using biodiverse green roof systems. Ecological assessments showed substantial potential biodiversity gains through the introduction of extensive, semi-intensive and intensive green roofs, alongside bat and bird habitat features. The Observatory’s proposed semi-intensive roof includes diverse wildflower species selected to provide nectar, pollen and habitat for pollinators. The project also assessed ecosystem service benefits using biodiversity and natural capital tools, demonstrating improvements in water management, pollination, pest control, urban cooling and occupant wellbeing. Green roofs were identified as particularly valuable in space-constrained urban settings where ground-level habitat creation is limited. The case study highlights the importance of maintenance planning, structural assessment, and long-term investment while illustrating how biodiversity enhancement can align with ESG reporting requirements, climate adaptation objectives, and commercial building value.
Case Study 3: Creating Neighbourhoods for People and Nature
Seven Mills in Clonburris, Dublin, demonstrates how biodiversity and nature-based solutions can be embedded into large-scale residential development. The first completed neighbourhood, Parkleigh, forms part of a future town of over 5,500 homes. Biodiversity Net Gain principles informed the design, with extensive sustainable drainage systems integrated across streets, parks and public spaces. Measures include swales, tree pits, detention basins, bioretention gardens, green roofs, native planting and ecological corridors linked to the Grand Canal. More than 40,000 trees were planted, including locally harvested hawthorn grown from on-site seed to preserve local genetic stock. The development follows pollinator-friendly mowing regimes and applies the internationally recognised 3-30-300 rule for urban greening. Community involvement, educational signage and native tree planting events helped build resident awareness and stewardship. The project shows how large-scale housing developments can deliver flood resilience, climate adaptation, recreation opportunities and biodiversity enhancement while creating attractive places for people to live.
Case Study 4: Biodiversity Above and Below Ground
Monaghan County Council transformed roadside grass verges into colourful pictorial meadows designed to improve biodiversity both above and below the soil surface. The initiative addressed poor soil health, limited plant diversity and intensive mowing practices that had depleted ecological value. A tailored soil mix incorporating locally sourced wood pulp was introduced to improve structure, moisture retention and microbial activity. Diverse flowering plants and perennials were then established to provide food and shelter for pollinators while creating visually attractive streetscapes. The project significantly reduced reliance on annual bedding plants, lowering maintenance, watering and replacement costs. Educational signage and community engagement helped residents appreciate the ecological value of the more natural appearance. Although formal biodiversity monitoring is ongoing, observations indicate increased pollinator activity and improved habitat quality. The project demonstrates how small-scale public realm interventions can improve ecological connectivity, support soil biodiversity, enhance climate resilience, promote circular economy principles and create more attractive urban environments with relatively modest investment.
Case Study 5: Rain Gardens
The Belgooly Rain Garden project in County Cork demonstrates how nature-based drainage solutions can simultaneously address flooding, biodiversity and community wellbeing. Developed as part of a Safe Routes to School initiative, the project replaced impermeable surfaces with linear rain gardens, pedestrian pathways and native planting. The rain gardens capture, filter and infiltrate stormwater while supporting pollinator-friendly vegetation and enhancing local biodiversity. Educational signage helps explain the ecological function of the system, while seating areas encourage social interaction and outdoor activity. The project has become an educational resource for local students who regularly monitor biodiversity, water levels and environmental conditions. An associated demonstration project in Cobh showed that rain gardens can remove 70-93% of pollutants from urban runoff, including heavy metals and suspended solids. The case study highlights how multifunctional infrastructure can combine drainage, habitat creation, climate adaptation, education and public amenity in a single intervention, providing long-term environmental and social value while requiring relatively low maintenance.
Case Study 6: Heritage and Nature
This case study explores the restoration of an 18th-century farm building in County Meath while protecting important bat and bird habitats. Surveys identified the building as a significant roost for several bat species, including the county’s first recorded whiskered bat roost. Restoration works focused on repairing the roof to prevent further deterioration while maintaining suitable conditions for bats and birds. Ecologists, architects, conservation specialists and heritage experts collaborated closely throughout the process. Ecologically harmful construction methods and materials, including certain roof membranes and timber treatments, were avoided due to risks posed to wildlife. A derogation licence and ongoing ecological supervision ensured compliance with wildlife legislation. The project demonstrates that heritage conservation and biodiversity enhancement can be mutually beneficial. Beyond protecting wildlife, the restoration generated cultural, educational and economic benefits through skills preservation, heritage awareness and local engagement. The case study emphasises the importance of early ecological assessment, cross-disciplinary collaboration and wildlife-sensitive construction techniques when renovating historic buildings.
Case Study 7: Improving Water Quality Runoff
The Bog Field Nature-based Solutions project in Carrick-on-Suir illustrates how SuDS can improve water quality while supporting biodiversity and community wellbeing. The project addressed untreated road runoff entering the Lower River Suir Special Area of Conservation, an important habitat for vulnerable fish species including the twaite shad. Swales, conveyance channels, retention ponds and native wetland planting were installed to intercept, slow and filter polluted runoff before it reaches the river. The scheme also transformed a previously neglected site into a community amenity space with public access and educational value. Native vegetation and wetland habitats are already attracting birds, aquatic insects and pollinators, while providing future opportunities for amphibians and other wildlife. Designed through collaboration between local authorities, community groups, engineers and ecologists, the project demonstrates how relatively simple nature-based interventions can improve water quality, reduce flood risk, restore biodiversity and strengthen connections between communities and nature.
Case Study 8: Developing a Biodiversity Strategy
Clúid Housing’s biodiversity strategy provides a practical framework for embedding biodiversity considerations throughout organisational decision-making. The strategy was developed in response to growing environmental responsibilities, ESG requirements and emerging biodiversity regulations. A central output was the creation of a Landscaping and Biodiversity Guide for New Developments, designed to support developers, contractors, landscape architects and maintenance teams. The process involved extensive stakeholder engagement, including internal teams, ecologists, planners, landscape designers and the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan. The strategy establishes clear biodiversity goals, identifies organisational areas of influence and outlines practical implementation measures. It highlights the importance of leadership support, stakeholder buy-in, adequate resources and ongoing training. The case study demonstrates that biodiversity enhancement is not only an environmental responsibility but also offers operational, reputational and financial benefits. By integrating biodiversity into everyday decisions and organisational culture, companies can move beyond compliance and create long-term value for communities, ecosystems and business performance.
Case Study 9: Cultivating Wellbeing by Reconnecting Communities with Nature
This case study showcases two community-led greening projects delivered by Clúid Housing and Tuath Housing in County Tipperary. At Ballygraigue Court, residents transformed communal grassland into a biodiverse landscape featuring orchards, wildflower meadows, sensory gardens, herb beds, bird feeders and a polytunnel. At Kickham Street, residents collaborated to redesign a small communal garden using pollinator-friendly planting, fruit trees and accessible raised beds. Both projects placed residents at the centre of decision-making through workshops, consultations and hands-on planting days. The interventions improved biodiversity while also strengthening social connections, reducing loneliness and fostering pride in local spaces. Housing providers observed wider benefits including reduced antisocial behaviour, increased community participation and improved estate management outcomes. Educational activities helped residents learn about biodiversity, healthy eating and sustainable gardening. The projects demonstrate the powerful role that nature-based community engagement can play in improving wellbeing, supporting biodiversity and creating stronger, more connected neighbourhoods.
Case Study 10: Understanding the Ecological Impact of Your Supply Chain
Glenveagh’s biodiversity case study focuses on understanding and managing ecological impacts across the construction supply chain. Recognising that most biodiversity impacts occur off-site, the company undertook a Double Materiality Assessment to identify how biodiversity affects the business and how business activities affect ecosystems. The assessment examined biodiversity risks, dependencies and opportunities across the entire value chain, including land use, raw material extraction, water resources and ecosystem services. Through stakeholder engagement, expert consultation and analysis tools, Glenveagh identified key issues such as habitat loss, species impacts, ecosystem condition and water dependency. Findings informed the development of the company’s first biodiversity strategy and supply chain engagement framework. The strategy aims to embed biodiversity into procurement, land acquisition, design, construction and operational decisions. The case study highlights the growing importance of biodiversity within ESG reporting, regulatory compliance and business resilience, demonstrating how organisations can expand their focus beyond site boundaries to address wider ecological impacts.
Collaborators
Principal Investigator
Irene Rondini
Communications Manager / Biodiversity Specialist, Irish Green Building Council
Irene joined the Irish Green Building Council (IGBC) in 2019. Working alongside Marion Jammet, Head of Policy & Advocacy, she established the IGBC Biodiversity Team and has contributed to all initiatives related to Biodiversity and the Built Environment, including the IGBC’s Community of Practice, webinars and factsheets. Irene currently manages the BIO-NEIGHBOUR project and led research for the Irish case study catalogue, examples of biodiversity enhancement and protection in different buildings and infrastructure in Ireland. Irene holds a BSc in Natural Sciences, an MSc in Environmental Science, and a Certificate in Digital Marketing.
Marion Jammet
Director of Policy & Advocacy / Biodiversity Lead , Irish Green Building Council
Marion is Director of Policy & Advocacy, and Biodiversity Lead at the Irish Green Building Council (IGBC). In 2022, she set up the biodiversity team at the IGBC, and first organised a series of webinars on this topic, leading to the publication of the IGBC’s Insight on “Biodiversity & the Built Environment” available at: Biodiversity-and-the-Built-Environment_IGBC-1.pdf. Since then, she has managed a number of initiatives on biodiversity in the built environment, including the Construct Innovate’s “Building Regenerative Towns and Cities” project. Marion’s working background is in policy development, stakeholder engagement, and project management. She holds a MA in European Affairs from Sciences-Po (France) and an MSc in environmental sustainability from University College Dublin, and recently completed certificates in “Urban Ecology Design”, and “Landscape and the Natural Environment in Architecture”.
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