Strengthening biodiversity by nature-inclusive biobased facade panels

Strengthening biodiversity by nature-inclusive biobased facade panels

In the past year, Wouter van Leuven, a graduate ecologist from Aeres University of Applied Sciences, has conducted an exploratory study in collaboration with NPSP into the influence of Nabasco® biobased composite facade panels on local fauna. Research has been conducted into whether these panels can positively influence the local ecosystem, which species of local fauna are stimulated by the panels and how the positive contribution to biodiversity could be improved. The research took place at the Innovation Pavilion in Amsterdam. The Innovation Pavilion is located on the busy Marineterrein in Amsterdam, with a view of the Maritime Museum and NEMO. This pavilion functions as a breeding ground for sustainable innovations in the construction sector, with a focus on biobased and circular materials.

The biobased panels of the Innovation Pavilion offer a beautiful and sustainable solution for promoting biodiversity and strengthening the local ecosystem. The Nabasco® facade panels can support various animal species. The panels contain special openings for birds, insects and bats, which contributes to their nesting and hiding possibilities. Behind the openings, insect hotels, spaces for bats and nesting boxes for birds have been created.

Behind the small openings in the facade are insect hotels, where various insect species can nest or find a suitable place to hibernate. These structures offer a safe shelter for solitary bees and other useful insects, which play an important role in the local ecosystem. The larger openings have been designed as nesting possibilities for small bird species such as sparrows and tits. In addition, these openings can also function as resting or nesting places for bats. In this way, the pavilion supports the fauna present, which has a positive effect on the biodiversity around the pavilion.

The quantities of around twenty insects, including the Emperor fly, common pendulum fly, peacock butterfly, house fly, jumping spider and red admiral, were monitored during the months of May to August. The insects such as butterflies and bees are mainly attracted by the natural vegetation around the pavilion. When unscrewing the panels, no remains of bird nests were found. However, various insect and spider species were observed. Moths, bugs, ladybirds and harvestmen, among others, use the panels and nearby insect hotels as shelter. It is striking that various arachnids, including the wolf spider, are also present here. The facade structures appear to fulfil an important function for overwintering species. Although there are no indications of bird activity, the area is used by numerous invertebrates that depend on such sheltered places during the winter period.

With a few adjustments, such as integrating more vegetation on and in the panels, the ecological impact can be further increased. Plants provide food sources such as nectar and pollen for insects. Adding shelters for planting can also significantly increase biodiversity on and around the panels. These improvements make the panels even more attractive to local animal species and also provide a better habitat. Adding different entrances to the panels that are suitable for butterflies, common pipistrelle bats or other species that have emerged during the inventory of the existing flora can also ensure that the panels will be used more by the fauna present in the area.

The panels are widely applicable and can be a valuable innovation for various projects. For example, municipalities can use them during renovations of buildings to make the environments more attractive for specific target species.

Want to know more?

Would you also like to know more about our facade panels, or the many other applications of our biobased composite? Then contact us. You can find our contact details on our website www.npsp.nl