Ballast Nedam Development supports the Nature-Inclusive Building Petition and calls for signing
By 2030, one million homes will be built in the Netherlands, presenting an opportunity to do the right thing for our future living environment, nature, and the climate. This year, one of the largest legislative changes is taking place, and there is a threat of legislation being introduced that lags light years behind in terms of nature inclusivity. Despite repeated calls from the broad sector, this law once again contains no concrete measures for nature-inclusive building. The authors and signatories of this petition now call on the Minister for Housing and Spatial Planning: “Make ‘Nature-Inclusive Building’ mandatory for a healthy living environment for people and nature.” Ballast Nedam Development attaches great importance to this petition because we are convinced that nature-inclusive building contributes to area development where people and nature live in harmony. We urgently ask every Dutch citizen to sign the petition and share it with friends, family, and professional networks.
That needs to change, according to a broad coalition of parties: NL Greenlabel, Ballast Nedam Development, Abbings Buitenhof, Alba Concepts, Barcode Architects, BrightVibes, Decade of Action, Decowood, Dutch Green Building Council (DGBC), Gideon Building Transition Tribes, Heijmans Vastgoed, Herman Wijffels, idverde, Kleissen Bouwmanagement & Advies, Kwartiermakers in de Bouw, JOGG, Merosch, MeerBomenNu, Rooftop Revolution, The Pollinators, Urgenda, Vogelbescherming Nederland, Voskampgroep, VU University, and WUR (Program Green Cities).
By building in a nature-inclusive manner, we are better equipped to withstand the effects of climate change and directly contribute to biodiversity. This is not only good for nature but also for our own health and well-being. Our built and designed living environment will function as (urban) ecoducts, sustainably connecting natural areas.
The petition calls on the Minister for Housing and Spatial Planning to elevate 'Nature-Inclusive Building' to the standard within 'The New Environmental Act.' The following concrete measures for all new homes and buildings should be included:
- Nature in the home: Each home must provide nesting opportunities for building-dependent species, including the house sparrow, swift, and bats.
- Nature on the home: All flat roofs must be used for dual purposes, at least for solar panels and/or vegetation.
- Nature in the neighborhood: Each home must have a view of natural greenery, public spaces must consist of at least 30% greenery, and there must be access to public green spaces within walking distance.
For more information about the involved parties or to sign the petition, visit: