Architecture
The need to reduce our carbon footprint has led to changes in the building regulations which are important for the long term future of biodiversity in general.
These changes have led to innovative techniques and designs of build and the development of new materials to meet these needs.
One of the key targets is reducing energy loss. This has led to the change from ventilated roof spaces to ‘airtight’ (slow exchange of air) buildings.
All low and zero-carbon build will have no capacity for bats (and other wildlife such as swifts) to enter roofspaces. Unless positive, proactive steps are taken, there is concern that future housing stock will hold no potential for bat roosts for several species.
Practical Advice
BCT has published a 2nd edition to the groundbreaking book, Biodiversity for Low and Zero Carbon Buildings: A Technical Guide for New Build, which brings together much-needed model designs and practical guidance for incorporating provision for biodiversity in low and zero carbon developments. The new edition includes beautiful 3D technical drawings, case studies and two new chapters on existing buildings and designing biodiversity for wider developments.
This title is unfortunately currently out of stock in the RIBA Bookshop
There many products currently available that can be incorporated into new build to aid bat roosting potential or access to a potential roost spaces, such as bat bricks and bat boxes, both external and integrated designs.
NB. We would emphasise that we are in no way recommending any one product, as comprehensive monitoring data is still lacking and therefore levels of successful uptake are not fully known.
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