Building for Biodiversity: IGBC and Local Authorities Join Forces

Local authorities, environmental experts, and construction professionals convened on the 14th April in Portlaoise for a landmark workshop titled ‘From Policy to Practice: Building Better for People and Biodiversity’. The event centred on translating national biodiversity goals into actionable strategies within Ireland’s built environment, in support of the National Biodiversity Action Plan 2023–2030.

Led by the Irish Green Building Council (IGBC), the workshop brought together keynote contributions from prominent voices across government and industry, including Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan, who delivered the welcome address.

“Protecting and restoring biodiversity is one of the defining challenges of our time. Initiatives like this workshop are crucial in turning national policy into meaningful local action, ensuring that our built environment supports both people and the natural world for generations to come” said Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christoper O’Sullivan.

Sessions explored critical themes including biodiversity integration within planning policy, scaling nature-based solutions across housing developments, and leveraging funding opportunities to maximise ecological impact. Research from Trinity College Dublin and real-world case studies – among them the award-winning National Forensic Mental Health Service project – offered practical guidance for on-the-ground implementation.

“Embedding biodiversity into the planning and construction process is no longer optional – it is essential for creating resilient, future-proof communities,” added Coilín O’Reilly, CEO of Carlow County Council and Chair of the briefing session. “This workshop demonstrates the power of collaboration across local authorities and disciplines to drive meaningful change.”

Throughout the day, participants took part in interactive workshops spanning the planning process, new residential development, and urban regeneration. Discussions covered the role of planning ecologists, biodiversity checklists, sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), and the integration of nature-based solutions into public infrastructure. The event also spotlighted successful regeneration projects in Wicklow and Mayo, illustrating how biodiversity can be safeguarded alongside the revitalisation of urban spaces.

The initiative was organised by biodiversity officers from Galway, Kildare, Laois, Meath, Offaly, Roscommon, and Tipperary county councils, with support from the Heritage Council and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Do you want to bring a workshop on biodiversity and the built environment to your County Council – get in touch!