Page 18 - Biodiversity Environment and Ecology Strategy

The Land Trust Biodiversity, Environment and Ecology Strategy

Strategy in detail

Climate change

adaptation /

Natural capital

investment

We will use our existing and pipeline sites to
protect and enhance the local area from climate
change threats, understand the social value of
what we can deliver and work to deliver natural
capital investment.

Climate change adaptation
The green space we currently own and manage can, Through the work we carry out on our parks and
with intelligent management, reduce greenhouse gas green spaces we already estimate that we are
emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change. delivering the following:
Such natural interventions are increasingly being Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) Natural Capital Investment
recognised as a desirable approach to combating £100,000 of energy cost savings per year for SuDS are one example of a Climate Change adaptation There is a growing understanding and recognition
climate change as they also help to deliver other households and businesses in close proximity to intervention. They are designed to be functional, that investment in natural capital enhances the long-
social, economic and environmental benefits. our sites fully integrated elements of green infrastructure, term social, environmental, and economic health and
Reduction of 480 tonnes of carbon dioxide and are now increasingly important parts of new wellbeing of people and businesses. The Covid-19
These natural interventions include things such as: emissions each year developments. They were introduced to address pandemic has brought a new found appreciation for
735 tonnes of carbon sequestered each year concerns regarding surface water flooding resulting our green spaces and natural world, and the general
Managing surface water from increased urban development. public will want to see the UK’s biggest companies
Managing riverline flooding With an increased focus on delivering these benefits taking their responsibilities seriously. There is a belief
Managing water resources in the future we expect these numbers to rise However they also deliver a wide range of that this investment will not only provide a positive
Managing coastal flooding significantly over the next few years. environmental, social and economic benefits. In impact on natural capital, but also provide a return to
Managing high temperatures addition to managing flows, volumes, and diffuse the investor.
Carbon storage and sequestration pollution some components (particularly vegetated
Food production/pollination or landscaped features) can positively impact air
Helping species adapt quality, carbon reduction, recreation, education and
Reducing soil erosion other elements of community health and wellbeing
Reducing the need to travel by car providing monetary and social value.

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