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To address the twin environmental crises of biodiversity loss and climate change we need to go beyond sustainability and start applying regenerative principles.
map marker United Kingdom | 05 April 2024

Regenerative thinking is a philosophy that goes beyond sustainability, actively contributing to the restoration and improvement of ecological and social systems. It aims not only to minimise negative impacts but to generate positive outcomes. It involves viewing the built environment as one system that is an extension of the natural environment.

Regenerative design is the application of this philosophy, which can be applied to the design and development of the built environment - seeking to restore and enhance the systems we interact with and promoting a shift toward net-positive outcomes for the planet and society.

Regenerative design is more than a concept; it's a holistic approach that treats the built environment as an integral part of the natural world.

The role of the built environment in regenerative design

Applying principles of regenerative design to building projects is something that is feasible today.

Built environment professionals can integrate regenerative principles by assessing the environmental impact of materials, construction processes, and potential future modifications. This involves choosing nature based and local materials, enabling circularity, minimising waste, and planning for adaptive reuse.

Regenerative design’s key aim is to create net-positive outcomes, where a project not only minimises harm but actively prioritises creating environments which contribute to environmental regeneration. This may involve maximising opportunities for renewable energy generation that go beyond the building’s needs, improving local flood resilience, designing beyond minimum Biodiversity Net Gain targets, or unlocking the potential of ecological corridors.

In fact, building projects have significant potential to actively contribute to enhancing biodiversity. Collaboration amongst teams of engineers, ecologists and landscape architects can facilitate green infrastructure, fostering habitat creation and promoting biodiversity within urban areas. Consideration of environmental impacts should also go beyond the immediate project site boundary - extending to the impacts of our material and product supply chains.

Success in regenerative design requires an integrated interdisciplinary approach. It emphasises collaboration across various disciplines to create a holistic and sustainable impact.

Engaging with local communities and stakeholders is a fundamental part of regenerative design. Building projects should ensure that projects align with the needs and values of the people they serve.

Finally, sharing successes, challenges, and lessons learned from projects can inspire and guide others within the industry, fostering a collaborative approach to transformative practices.

Author

Rahul Patalia (1)
Rahul Patalia
Director of Urban Regeneration
United Kingdom
Contact

Author

MGabbianelli_Photo_Update
Marika Gabbianelli
Senior Decarbonisation Consultant
United Kingdom
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Regen_graphic
We can help create buildings that are not just Net Zero… but they actually sequester more carbon than they generate. We can help create developments that enhance biodiversity, generate energy, and have sustainable water management strategies. We can help create place that contributes to the well-being of local communities, creating public spaces, supporting social initiatives. Our aim is to create an environment where all human and living systems can thrive. This aim is towards a regenerative future
Rahul Patalia Director of Urban Regeneration

The business case for a regenerative approach

As our industry confronts the stark reality of impacts of the twin climate and biodiversity crises, it becomes clear that a profound transformation is needed in the built environment sector. This transformation requires businesses to shift mindsets and to approach design that not only repairs the damage done to our planet, but also fosters the thriving of all natural systems. The vitality of our ecosystems is intrinsically linked to the health of our economy, making this transformation a business necessity. The long-term objective is to establish regenerative design as the norm, or the “business as usual” strategy, in urban regeneration projects and other developmental initiatives.

The personal part we all play

We have the power to enable this transformation. It starts with a shift in mindset, a commitment to ask the right questions, to challenge norms, and to be agents of positive change within our spheres of influence. It's about fostering a culture where every contribution, no matter how small, looks to move the needle from unsustainable to Regenerative.
Marika Gabbianelli Senior Decarbonisation Consultant

It’s a journey and a rallying call

Regenerative design requires a paradigm shift. It is a fundamental change in the way we design, operate and build. It is an ongoing process and a long-term commitment.

A regenerative approach involves continuous learning, experimentation and adaptation. It evolves and improves over time. The journey implies a willingness to explore new ideas, integrate new practices, and respond to challenges and opportunities as they arise. It’s an approach we must all embrace in order to safeguard not only our own future, but also the future of the generations to come.