Why are Nature Based Solutions Essential for Sustainability?
Nature based solutions (NBSs) can help to “protect, sustainably manage or restore nature ecosystems that address societal challenges such as climate change, human health, food and water security and disaster risk reduction effectively,” explains The World Bank Group.
As well as protecting ecosystems and societal wellbeing, NBSs could make an essential contribution to reach net zero by 2050 alongside other decarbonisation strategies.
Organisations like The World Economic Forum (WEF) help to bring together leaders from government, business, academia and civil society to address the world’s most pressing challenges, including how to adopt NBSs.
NBSs to save ecosystems
All around the world, NBSs are in place to maximise habitat creation and other environmental benefits such as flood resilience, erosion resistance and carbon sequestration.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) says that US$57bn in flooding damages are averted by mangroves in China, India, Mexico, US and Vietnam every year.
Arcadis is working on NBSs to help provide a stable, sustainable future.
The company is working on road improvement projects such as London’s Lower Thames Crossing, where it is evaluating a range of habitat creation options for carbon offsetting as well as developing business cases for energy utilities businesses for investing in woodland creation, seagrass creation and peatland restoration.
Arcadis is working with local planning authorities and home builders to calculate nutrient loads and develop nature-based solutions to prevent nitrates and phosphates from entering watercourses.
Chivas Brothers is also advancing its NBSs through a series of waterway projects developed with three River Trusts.
These initiatives focus on improving biodiversity and the health of river ecosystems by restoring floodplains, reducing water temperature rises and strengthening riverbanks.
Practical interventions, such as tree planting along rivers, are also set to provide shade and stabilise waterways.
As part of its broader water stewardship strategy, the company also monitors consumption and applies innovations like water-cooling technology to conserve and protect vital resources in Scotch production.
Cutting carbon, plastic and fossil fuels
Chestnut Biopolymers takes inspiration from the chestnut tree, a natural engine of carbon capture, to create sustainable materials that help tackle plastic pollution.
The company develops majority plant-based biopolymer formulations that match the performance of fossil plastics, yet safely biodegrade without leaving behind microplastics or nanoplastics.
Working with manufacturers across sectors, Chestnut offers drop-in alternatives to polypropylene, polyethylene and polystyrene, enabling a seamless transition to cleaner materials.
Its renewable, carbon-sequestering feedstocks ensure strength in use and gentleness in afterlife, supporting a future where innovation restores environmental balance.
Virtus Data Centres has operated on 100% renewable energy since 2012, sourcing solely from wind, hydro and solar, saving more than 210 million kg of CO₂ in 2024 alone.
The company is fully carbon neutral on power consumption across its entire portfolio and is targeting net zero emissions on all reportable activities by 2030.
Sustainability is built into the design, construction and operation of every site, with initiatives including innovative cooling systems and heat capture.
A NBS panel discussion
At Sustainability LIVE London, 9-10 September 2025, a NBS panel discussion will be taking place, bringing together diverse leaders who are driving sustainability and innovation.
Mark McKenna, Global Sustainability Director at Arcadis, brings expertise in building resilient, sustainable infrastructure.
Gaelle Mogabure, Head of ESG at VIRTUS Data Centres, will share insights on embedding responsible practices into digital infrastructure.
Mike Hale, CEO of Chestnut BioPolymers, will represent cutting-edge bio-based materials innovation.
Sandrine Ricard, Director of Sustainability & Responsibility Communications at Chivas Brothers, will highlight the role of responsible business in the drinks sector.
Shivin Kohli, Lead of Financing for Nature at the World Economic Forum, will provide a global perspective on mobilising capital for climate and biodiversity solutions.
To attend this panel and many more at Sustainability LIVE London 2025, get your tickets now here: https://sustainabilitymag.com/events/sustainability-live/sustainability-live-london-2025/in-person-ticket
