PROJECT STORY
The challenge
Immobel aims to back up their biodiversity and sustainability endeavours in its real estate projects with tangible figures.
Biodiversity reviews of new Immobel construction projects
A visionary approach to improve sustainability in real estate
The solution
Arcadis will calculate biodiversity gains for them using the Biodiversity Net Gain Calculator and make recommendations to improve results.
The impact
With these findings, Immobel can prove and increase their real estate projects’ biodiversity and financial value.
The challenge
Belgian property developer Immobel is known for its sustainable real estate projects in Belgium and Europe. Biodiversity is high on their agenda, both in rural and built-up areas. By focusing on green spaces and nature-based solutions, they aim to create value for the property developer and end user. Immobel calls on Arcadis In order to concretely assess its efforts and improve them where necessary.
The solution
An initial pilot project was launched for the Crahiat project in Ciney, where we calculated the biodiversity gain for this planned new development over 11.5 hectares and made practical recommendations to further increase this score. To do so, we used the Arcadis Biodiversity Net Gain Calculator, a tool developed by Arcadis.
Using this tool, we quantified the site's biodiversity based on mean species abundance, which resulted in a baseline measurement consisting of tangible data that allows us to monitor the current and also the potential biodiversity value of this property development. In addition, we can use this biodiversity tool to compare various development scenarios and determine whether certain measures have an impact on the end result. In this way, Immobel can take additional measures, where necessary.
The Ciney-based project was completed successfully and further collaborations are in the pipeline.
We would like to extend our sincere congratulations to Immobel for their visionary approach to biodiversity. They are a true pioneer within the Belgian real estate industry. Our Arcadis Biodiversity Net Gain Calculator has already earned its stripes in a number of other sectors such as manufacturing, aviation, beverage and food. Together with Immobel, we can now also take significant steps in the real estate sector to make construction projects more sustainable.
The impact
By working with Immobel and gauging the impact of their efforts, they can concretely demonstrate their biodiversity gains, which creates value for both developers (buyers are prepared to pay more for living in green spaces) and end users. The latter can enjoy the benefits of nature and greater biodiversity in their living environment.
