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Biodiversity
Catena has set the sustainability target that our entire property portfolio will be net positive in terms of biodiversity by 2030. This means that Catena will need to be able to show a more positive than negative impact on biodiversity in all properties. Biodiversity means the variety of living organisms and natural environments and is a prerequisite for all life on earth.
One of the biggest threats to biodiversity is land use change, where the natural habitats of many organisms are shrinking due to human impact. Catena has a major impact by utilising land and thus the target is a major challenge. At the same time, we see no other way forward - biodiversity, together with the climate issue, is crucial for the future.
Thinking through the design of a property and taking into account the conditions for animals and nature at an early stage of the new construction project creates the opportunity to increase the natural values of the property. There are also great opportunities to create space at an early stage on existing properties. A well-thought-out environment around the property is also a long-term quality assurance that makes the property more resistant to extreme weather, for example.
Our handbook for measuring biodiversity
We have developed a handbook that describes how we work to measure and preserve eco-efficient surfaces. It also includes checklists of questions to ask in different types of projects.
The handbook is based on a green area factor (GYF) calculation. GYF is an accepted planning tool that reports the proportion of green space in relation to hard surfaces within a property or area. It also measures and ensures that green qualities are achieved and/or preserved during construction.
Examples of what we do
At our properties, we consider areas with different types of vegetation and character, such as pasture, wetland, woodland, grove, meadow, dry meadow, rockgarden, forest edge and erosion slope. Ponds, trenches and wetlands filter and purify water from pollution. They also prevent floods, erosion and drought.
We also create microclimates through birdhouses, beehives, cultivation areas, insect hotels and fauna depots.
At logistics facilities, there are often larger asphalt surfaces. These can often be used in a better way and it's possible to work with different types of permeable coating. These can often be used more efficiently and different types of permeable paving can be used.
Biodiversity benefits everyone
Systematic work with biodiversity will not only benefit the environment. It also results in a more pleasant working environment and a more attractive workplace. By taking overall responsibility as a property owner, we create the conditions for the tenants in our properties to be able to work as sustainably as possible.
