Nature-based solutions
The topic in practice
In practice, this means that the state of nature must be the basis for development.
In intact ecosystems, construction can have major negative consequences. In such areas, one should proceed very cautiously, and preferably avoid development. If something is nevertheless considered, the site should be located close to existing development, and the entire construction process must have strict requirements for rigging, transportation and footprint. Measures can include the use of materials from the site, minimal building footprint, limited heavy transport, parking in existing parking lots and green roofs and walls that recreate some of the vegetation that is lost.
In somewhat developed areas, it is about combining development with the improvement of the natural basis. Here, nature-based solutions can be used to repair or strengthen ecological functions, while at the same time bringing the area into use. Examples are the re-establishment of nature, artificial wetlands that purify wastewater, the restoration of road ditches and the establishment of shared parking facilities to reduce scattered interventions.
In degraded areas, development may in some cases be more appropriate, especially when the area is already degraded, is close to infrastructure and at the same time has the potential for restoration. A gravel roof is an example of a degraded area where it may be better to develop than to build in untouched nature, provided that the project contributes to repairing the terrain, rebuilding vegetation and improving ecological conditions.
A key principle is to start with the site, not the building. Terrain, vegetation, waterways, erosion hazards and existing natural assets must be understood before the solution is drawn. Nature-based solutions work best when they are part of the planning from the start, not something added at the end.
Another important principle is resource conservation. This means using space, materials, energy and technical solutions more soberly and purposefully. Such an approach can reduce the burden on nature and the climate while also providing lower energy use and maintenance costs over time.
Testing in pilots and cases
Nature-based solutions often work best when multiple considerations are addressed simultaneously. Good examples show that water management, biodiversity, recreation and place quality can be strengthened in the same project.
In Broparken in Vallastaden, a technical stormwater system was developed as an attractive urban space, with a stream, meadows and trees that both support biodiversity and provide people with a good place to live.
In Hovinbekken in Oslo, it is shown how flood and climate measures can be combined with recreation, increased biodiversity, better water quality and a strengthened local environment.
In Dagvattendammen at Exercisfältet in Uppsala, water purification, flood protection and biodiversity were combined with an attractive area for recreation and activity.
In Tinnerö, the building is designed as an information point, meeting place and habitat, with facade solutions that also work for species such as insects, birds and bats.
Together, these examples show that nature-based solutions do not have to be an add-on to the project. When nature, water, landscape and use are planned together from the start, the result can be both more robust, more attractive and more valuable over time.
Useful databases (Norwegian)
Nature in Norway (NiN) is society's common toolbox for describing nature in a comparable way. A common conceptual framework for natural variation at all scales that can be adapted for many purposes.
Species maps show observations of species in the wild, including endangered and alien species. Useful for finding out if there are vulnerable species on or near the property.
In Naturbase you will find mapped information about nature and outdoor activities and the use of nature for various purposes. Here you will find maps of protected areas, habitats, outdoor areas and cultural environments. Useful for checking whether the plot is located in or near protected nature or important natural areas.
Vann-Nett shows water quality, watercourses, measures in water areas. Useful for checking whether the plot is located by water or in a catchment area.
