Biodiversity & the Built Environment: From Bees to Bio-Based Building Materials

Urbanization inevitably transforms the landscapes it inhabits. Cities pulse with cultural diversity, commerce, movement, and exchange—bringing energy and connection to our lives. Yet, as concrete sprawls and car dependency rises, many urban areas are turning into ecological dead zones, burdened by air, noise and light pollution.

By thoughtfully weaving biodiversity into the built environment, we can align human activity with nature, creating spaces that support both ecological health and human well-being. Prioritizing green infrastructure and essential pollinators like bees, butterflies, and birds allows cities to flourish as vibrant ecosystems. When we let nature guide our planning and design, we cultivate not only resilient but regenerative, inspiring environments where both people and wildlife can thrive.

Why Biodiversity and Pollinators Matter in Urban Development

Biodiversity—the variety of life within ecosystems—plays a fundamental role in maintaining environmental stability. Pollinators, including bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and bats, are vital to sustaining biodiversity by facilitating plant reproduction. In urban settings, fostering biodiversity and supporting pollinators can:

• Improve air and water quality
• Enhance food production and urban agriculture
• Regulate temperature through natural cooling mechanisms
• Strengthen climate resilience by promoting ecological balance
• Improve mental and physical health by connecting people with nature

Ignoring biodiversity and pollinators in urban planning leads to habitat destruction, food insecurity, urban heat island effects, and loss of essential ecosystem services. This makes cities more vulnerable to climate change and environmental degradation.

Strategies for Enhancing Biodiversity and Supporting Pollinators in the Built Environment

1. Green Infrastructure & Nature-Based Solutions

Incorporating green roofs, living walls, and rain gardens enhances urban biodiversity while improving air quality and stormwater management. These nature-based solutions create essential habitats for pollinators and native plants, contributing to healthier urban ecosystems.

Brooklyn Grange

Founded in 2010, Brooklyn Grange is the leading rooftop farming and intensive green roofing business in the US, operating the world’s largest rooftop soil farms, located in New York City. Brooklyn Grange promotes sustainable urban living by building green spaces, hosting educational programming and events, and widening access to locally grown produce in New York City communities. Brooklyn Grange’s purpose is to restore the connection between people and the natural world. We create meaningful livelihood opportunities and steward green spaces in the built environment to foster more livable and climate-adapted cities.

2. Pollinator-Friendly Planting & Urban Beekeeping

Integrating native flowering plants, meadows, and pollinator gardens into urban landscapes provides essential nectar sources for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Urban beekeeping initiatives, such as rooftop apiaries and community-led pollinator programs, help restore declining bee populations while fostering local food production. A living and breathing example of this is the IGA Organic Rooftop Farm.

IGA ORGANIC ROOFTOP FARM

25,000 square foot rooftop garden of IGA Extra Famille Duchemin grocery store, created in 2017 in Montreal, produces about 35 types of produce that the store harvests and sells themselves. Richard Duchemin, co-owner of the IGA Extra Famille Duchemin, says his grocery was the first in Canada to sell produce that’s grown on its roof. About 35 types of produce are being grown in the 25,000-sq.-ft. rooftop garden — about half the total roof area.

3. Urban Rewilding & Habitat Restoration

Transforming underutilized spaces into biodiverse ecosystems, such as converting vacant lots into pollinator-friendly gardens, helps reconnect urban areas with nature. Cities like Singapore, London and The Underline in Miami have successfully implemented urban rewilding initiatives, increasing biodiversity and strengthening pollinator populations.

The Underline

Since its founding, Friends of The Underline has been committed to transforming the underutilized land below Miami’s Metrorail—from the Miami River to Dadeland South Station—into a 10-mile linear park, urban trail and public art destination.

Through a partnership with Miami-Dade County, a vibrant and engaged board of directors, public and private donors and hundreds of volunteers, The Underline is becoming an example for repurposing unused land into a public park and community space and asset.

In 2020, The Underline Management Organization dba The Underline Conservancy was created to manage, maintain, operate and program The Underline. The public/private organization has its own board with representatives from Friends of The Underline and Miami-Dade County.

4. Sustainable Land-Use Planning

Integrating biodiversity considerations into zoning laws, building codes, and land-use policies ensures that urban growth does not come at the cost of ecosystem destruction. Mixed-use developments with green corridors help facilitate wildlife movement, pollinator pathways, and habitat connectivity.

5. Biophilic Design Principles

Biophilic design integrates natural elements into the built environment, enhancing aesthetics while supporting ecological function. Features like pollinator-friendly terraces, indoor gardens, and natural lighting improve occupant well-being while reinforcing biodiversity.

6. Innovative Bio-Based Building Materials

Sustainable, bio-based building materials play a crucial role in integrating biodiversity into urban development. Examples include:

• Mycelium-Based Insulation: A biodegradable, high-performance insulation that supports natural ecosystems.
• Bamboo Composites: A fast-growing, regenerative alternative to traditional construction materials.
• Rammed Earth: A natural and durable material that reduces carbon emissions.
• Bio-Concrete: A living material that fosters moss, lichen, and even pollinator-friendly microhabitats.

These materials not only reduce the environmental impact of construction but also enhance habitat creation for pollinators and other wildlife.

7. Community Engagement & Stewardship

Educating communities about biodiversity conservation and involving them in pollinator-friendly initiatives—such as tree planting, beekeeping workshops, and native species gardening—fosters environmental responsibility. Citizen science programs and urban conservation efforts strengthen the relationship between people and nature while promoting pollinator health.

Additional Case Studies: Biodiversity & Pollinator Success Stories in Urban Development

The High Line, New York City

A former railway turned urban park, the High Line is a prime example of how biodiversity can be reintroduced into a dense urban setting. Featuring native plant species designed to attract pollinators, the park provides habitat for bees, butterflies, birds, and other wildlife while offering a green space for the community.

Bosco Verticale, Milan

The Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest) residential towers integrate over 900 trees and thousands of plants into their design. This not only improves air quality and reduces noise pollution but also creates a microhabitat for birds and pollinators in the heart of the city.

Singapore’s Green Plan 2030

Singapore has positioned itself as a leader in urban biodiversity through its Green Plan 2030, which emphasizes increasing green spaces, expanding nature corridors, and promoting sustainable urban development. Many of its initiatives focus on enhancing pollinator habitats and restoring urban ecosystems.

The Future of Biodiversity, Pollinators & the Built Environment

As climate change and urbanization continue to challenge ecosystems, integrating biodiversity and pollinator conservation into urban planning is more urgent than ever. By embracing nature-based solutions, biophilic design, and bio-based building materials, cities can transform into biodiversity hotspots rather than ecological wastelands. The future of sustainable urban development lies in fostering harmony between the built environment and the natural world, ensuring that pollinators—and the ecosystems they sustain—thrive alongside us.

Are you a developer, architect, or urban planner looking to incorporate biodiversity and pollinator-friendly design into your projects?

We are seeking tenants, partners and collaborators who are interested to demonstrate their innovative projects and concepts at the Climate & Innovation HUB in Miami and the PHXJAX Art & Innovation District in Jacksonville, Florida

Let’s collaborate to build spaces that support both people and the planet.