01.11.2024
New Habitat Types and Criteria for the Built Environment
Open project database
Nature in the built environment – parks, yards, restored meadows, and many other green areas – can now be classified in a consistent manner, and its ecological condition can also be assessed using comparable metrics. A recent report from the BOOST and ARVO projects presents a habitat classification system for the built environment, along with habitat-specific guidelines, which will enable the ecological quality of urban nature to be incorporated more effectively into land-use planning, environmental impact assessments, and the development of green infrastructure. The report was prepared through extensive interdisciplinary collaboration and supports, for example, efforts in cities to systematically improve the ecological quality of green infrastructure and combat the loss of nature.
The report identifies 16 habitat types in the built environment, such as wooded parks, ground-level yards, newly established meadows, and ruderal sites such as various types of wasteland. The assessment of ecological condition focuses on structural features and vegetation that are essential for biodiversity. However, the assessment does not cover the aesthetic, social, or cultural-historical values of green spaces. Habitats in the built environment are assessed in terms of habitat hectares.
Habitat types in the built environment and the indicators of their ecological status were defined through interdisciplinary collaboration between the ARVO and BOOST projects in a series of six workshops held between November 2024 and September 2025. A total of more than 30 urban nature experts participated in the workshops: biologists, consultants, researchers, and activists from both the public and private sectors. Most of the experts attended every workshop. The workshops were conducted both in person and remotely. In addition, the experts gathered in small groups focused on specific habitat types (e.g., open habitats).
Read more (in Finnish):
Report: Rakennetun ympäristön luontotyypit ja niiden ekologisen tilan arviointi (PDF), Green Building Council Finland
10.2.2026 Press release: Kaupunkiluonnosta mitattavaa: uudet luontotyypit ja kriteerit tukevat luontokadon torjuntaa
