A habitat is the natural living environment of an animal or plant species, where that species finds food, shelter and opportunities to reproduce. In construction, the concept plays a role in nature-inclusive and climate-adaptive building.
Characteristics
A habitat provides a species with everything it needs to survive and reproduce. In the built environment, it is about preserving or deliberately creating living spaces in and on buildings and in public spaces. Examples:
- Built-in nest boxes for birds
- Roosts for bats
- Green roofs and green facades
- Planting and water features in public areas
Applications
In nature-inclusive building, habitats are deliberately incorporated into the design so that buildings offer space not only for people but also for animals and plants. This strengthens biodiversity and contributes to a climate-adaptive, cooler and greener environment.
During renovation or demolition, caution is required: statutory species protection may impose obligations when protected habitats are present. Before work begins, it should therefore be investigated whether protected species occur and which measures or permits are needed. In this way, valuable habitats are preserved or compensated for elsewhere.
Related terms
- Nature-inclusive building
- Green roof
- Nest box
- Green facade
- Climate-adaptive
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