Building With Nature
The Rise of Ecological Solutions for Sustainable Infrastructure
Discover how Nature-based Solutions are revolutionizing our approach to infrastructure, creating systems that work with ecological processes rather than against them.
Explore SolutionsWhat Makes Infrastructure Truly Sustainable?
A fundamental rethinking of how we design, build, and manage our built environment
Process-Oriented
Infrastructure that is planned, implemented and managed in a way that prepares for and adapts to changing climate conditions 1
Physical Asset-Oriented
Infrastructure that can withstand, respond to, and recover rapidly from disruptions to continue providing essential services 1
Outcomes-Oriented
Infrastructure that maximizes social benefits, enhances equity, minimizes negative environmental impacts, and protects natural ecosystems 1
100%
Lifecycle Approach
45%
Reduced Peak Flood Flows
78%
More Nitrogen Removal
30%
Less Maintenance
Infrastructure Lifecycle Sustainability
Needs Identification & Planning
Initial assessment of community needs and environmental considerations
Design & Engineering
Incorporating sustainable materials and ecological principles
Construction & Implementation
Minimizing environmental impact during construction phase
Long-term Management & Adaptation
Continuous monitoring and adaptation to changing conditions
Nature's Engineering: The Power of Green Solutions
Harnessing natural processes to provide critical infrastructure functions
Nature-based Solutions (NbS)
Engineered systems that harness natural processes to provide critical infrastructure functions, often at lower cost and with greater resilience than conventional approaches.
The NATURE-DEMO project, a European research initiative, is at the forefront of demonstrating how NbS can enhance infrastructure resilience 4 .
Green Infrastructure
Systems like green roofs, urban forests, and permeable pavements that manage stormwater, reduce urban heat island effects, and enhance biodiversity
Natural Water Management
Restored floodplains, constructed wetlands, and living shorelines that control flooding, filter pollutants, and protect coastlines
Ecosystem-Led Protection
Mangrove restoration, coral reef protection, and dune restoration that provide cost-effective coastal defense against storms and sea-level rise
"Unlike traditional 'grey' infrastructure, which often fights against natural processes, Nature-based Solutions work with ecological principles to create systems that adapt and evolve over time."
A Concrete Example: Testing Nature's Flood Defenses
Quantifying the effectiveness of Nature-based Solutions through rigorous experimentation
The Experimental Mission
To quantify the effectiveness of Nature-based Solutions, the NATURE-DEMO project conducted a carefully designed study comparing traditional flood control methods with ecological alternatives 4 .
The experiment focused on a common infrastructure challenge: managing extreme rainfall and preventing urban flooding while improving water quality.
Key Objectives:
- Compare performance of traditional vs. nature-based systems
- Measure water volume, flow rates, and quality parameters
- Assess community perceptions and quality of life impacts
- Evaluate economic efficiency and long-term maintenance
Performance Comparison: Traditional vs. Nature-Based Systems
| Performance Metric | Traditional System | Nature-Based System | Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Flow Reduction | 55% | 80% | +45% |
| Nitrogen Removal | 42% | 75% | +78% |
| Phosphorus Removal | 48% | 79% | +65% |
| Infiltration Rate | 15% | 65% | +333% |
| Construction Cost | $1.8M | $2.1M | +17% |
| Annual Maintenance Cost | $75,000 | $52,000 | -31% |
Community Perception Survey Results
Biodiversity Impact Assessment
Key Findings
- Adaptive Capacity: Natural systems improved performance over time as vegetation established and ecosystems matured
- Multiple Benefits: Beyond flood control, nature-based approach enhanced biodiversity, reduced urban temperatures, and created recreational spaces
- Economic Efficiency: While initial costs were comparable, nature-based approach required 30% less maintenance and has longer projected lifespan
The Researcher's Toolkit
Essential solutions and technologies for sustainable infrastructure development
Precision Earth Observation
Combines satellite and machine learning for real-time monitoring of climate and ecosystem changes 2
Application: Tracking infrastructure performance, monitoring environmental impacts, and assessing climate risksSoil Health Technology Convergence
Integrates in-field sensors, microbiome engineering, and AI to enhance soil resilience and carbon storage 2
Application: Developing living infrastructure systems that improve over timeRegenerative Desalination
Provides fresh water while restoring rather than damaging coastal ecosystems 2
Application: Creating water infrastructure that contributes positively to local ecologyLifecycle Assessment Tools
Evaluate the full environmental impact of infrastructure projects from construction through decommissioning 6
Application: Comparing ecological footprints of different design approachesToolkit Implementation Timeline
Planning Phase
Climate Risk Management, Sustainable Procurement
Design Phase
Lifecycle Assessment, Earth Observation
Implementation Phase
Soil Health Tech, Regenerative Desalination
Management Phase
Continuous Monitoring, Adaptive Management
The Future is Green: Emerging Technologies
Breakthrough innovations accelerating sustainable infrastructure development
Green Concrete Technologies
Revolutionizing one of the world's most carbon-intensive materials, potentially transforming the environmental footprint of construction worldwide 2
Next-Generation Bi-directional Charging
Enables electric vehicles to function as mobile energy storage units, creating more resilient energy infrastructure 2
Automated Food Waste Upcycling
Converts organic waste into valuable resources, addressing both waste management and resource recovery challenges 2
Integration Potential
What makes these technologies particularly powerful is their integration potential. When combined with Nature-based Solutions, they create symbiotic relationships between technological and ecological systems.
For instance, Earth observation technologies can monitor the health of green infrastructure, while advanced materials science can create structures that better support ecological functions.
Symbiotic Systems
Technology and ecology working in harmony
Scalable Solutions
From local implementations to global applications
Continuous Improvement
Systems that evolve and adapt over time
Building a Future in Harmony With Nature
The shift toward ecological solutions for sustainable infrastructure represents more than a technical innovation—it signifies a fundamental change in our relationship with the natural world.
Instead of viewing nature as a barrier to development or a resource to exploit, this approach recognizes healthy ecosystems as essential partners in creating resilient, efficient, and equitable infrastructure systems.
Superior Performance
Infrastructure that works with natural processes provides better results across multiple criteria
Additional Benefits
Creating positive impacts for communities and ecosystems beyond primary functions
Positive Footprints
Moving beyond harm reduction to creating net-positive ecological impacts