Nature & biodiversity masterclass

Nature and biodiversity is a leading challenge for meeting decarbonisation targets and reversing the impacts of climate change on the environment. Across the globe, our industry has an imperative role to play in reducing harm and regenerating biodiversity through the way we design, construct and operate our buildings and precincts. However, as an area that can be highly localised and difficult to measure, how do we ensure biodiversity plans are valuable, effective and enduring?

This masterclass will look to demystify nature and biodiversity, exploring the national and global state of play to set a key foundation for improving your nature and biodiversity outcomes. Hear from industry experts who will highlight key strategies that can be employed within a biodiversity plan and understand how these intersect and interact at the project, precinct and masterplan level.

Key themes include:

• Creating a baseline understanding for key terms including nature, environment, biodiversity and ecology
• Building dialogue for communicating the value of biodiversity to stakeholders
• Understanding key strategies that can be employed for increasing biodiversity at the project and precinct level
• Explore how nature plans can be expanded through collaboration at the all levels
• Investigating how regenerative design fits into strategies

Hear from industry experts including:

• Abigail Heywood, National Sustainability Manager – Strategic Projects, Australia, Lendlease
• Freya Thomas, Urban Plant Ecologist, Parks and City Greening, City of Melbourne
• Philip Martin, Biodiversity Manager, The GPT Group
• Elham Monavari, Head of Green Star Strategic Delivery, GBCA

With thanks to our Nature Principal Partner

Speakers

Elham Monavari - Green Building Council of Australia

Head of Green Star Strategic Delivery

Session

12:35 pm - Setting the scene and understanding Green Star nature credits

About Elham

As the Senior Manager - Green Star Operations Transformation, Elham leads a team that manage the Green Star certification process and provide technical services to project teams. Elham led the development of the Green Star Homes Standard and managed the delivery of the Green Star Buildings rating tool. Elham has over 15 years' experience in applying sustainability in the built environment in a range of sectors from working in government, the private sector and internationally.

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Abigail Heywood - Lendlease Group Services Pty Ltd

National Sustainability Manager – Strategic Projects Australia

Session

1:35 pm - Case study: Biodiversity at the project level

About Abigail

The health of our natural environment, the climate crisis and a truly sustainable future are issues I am passionate about and I have spent my career achieving positive change in these areas. My professional work has been complimented by contributing to the work and governance of community-based environmental groups. As such my remit is collaborating with people to deliver win/win solutions that benefit the business and the planet. I thrive on finding science-based solutions, strategic planning, influencing business operations and leading teams. I also deliver impactful outcomes, and am laser focussed on nature conservation, advocacy, and transformational climate action.

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Philip Martin - The GPT Group

Biodiversity Manager

Session

3:35 pm - Case study: Thinking long-term: a roadmap for stewardship and ongoing measurement

About Philip

Skilled environmental manager with expertise in designing, implementing, and evaluating carbon and biodiversity projects. With more than a decade of experience in diverse natural resource management roles, I possess a breadth of environmental science, governance, and project management knowledge. My current focus is leading delivery of GPT’s biodiversity assessments, biodiversity management plans, and disclosure commitments, and supporting due diligence processes for new developments and nature-related investment.

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