Measure the impact of living walls on biodiversity through this method.

Living walls play a crucial role in promoting biodiversity in urban environments. These vertical gardens, covered with vibrant plants, provide a refuge for various species of insects, birds, and other small animals. The vegetation on green facades provides insects with food sources and shelter, thus encouraging their populations. By integrating living plants on vertical surfaces, green facades offer an inviting habitat for diverse flora and fauna. The varied plant growth on green facades creates a microcosm, allowing different species to establish themselves and contribute to a richer urban biodiversity.

Why should urban biodiversity be encouraged?

A diverse ecosystem is essential for maintaining the natural balance and preserving diversity. Various studies indicate a loss of 70 to 80% in insect biomass in Europe over the past three decades. This is highly critical because insects play an essential role in ecosystem functioning. They are responsible for pollinating flowers, seed dispersal, and contribute to the reproduction of plants. Since over 70% of agriculture depends on these processes, the loss of insects would have disastrous consequences for food supply. Additionally, insects serve as a food source for other animals such as birds, fish, and amphibians. They also play a crucial role in waste decomposition, so a decline in their numbers could have a concerning domino effect on various aspects of the ecosystem.

How to measure biodiversity?

Green facades significantly contribute to promoting biodiversity in urban environments. Green facades not only improve living conditions for local animals and plants but also contribute to a more sustainable and healthier urban environment. How can you be sure that green facades promote biodiversity? In collaboration with SGS Search, Mobilane introduces the DNA InsectScan.

How does this method work?

The DNA InsectScan uses E-DNA to provide insight into biodiversity through insect identification. This allows the contribution of green facades and roofs to biodiversity to be concretely documented in data. During the DNA InsectScan, the impact of green facades on biodiversity is measured by detecting and identifying insect species. Specifically, this method reveals which insects have actually been on the green facade based on E-DNA.

The DNA InsectScan works by taking samples from leaves, branches, and flowers of green facades, followed by laboratory analysis. This enables the detection of hundreds of insects, providing insight into the presence and distribution of insect species and their influence on overall biodiversity.

Collaboration between Mobilane and SGS Search

Both companies emphasize their commitment to greening cities, with promoting biodiversity being a crucial aspect of their mission. “With this collaboration, we collectively contribute to a green future for generations to come,” declares Alexander Ilsink, CEO of Mobilane.

What are the benefits?

The method simplifies the sampling process, and the acquired knowledge determines the success of restoration efforts for biodiversity in urban environments and their impact on nature. It measures the extent to which green facades support ecosystems in the vicinity and can be used as part of ESG reporting.