HIW CRR 2023 v8 - Flipbook - Page 23
B I O D I V E R S I T Y A N D H A B I TAT
The development and operation of commercial
office buildings can adversely impact ecosystems,
biodiversity and habitat. Highwoods endeavors to
protect, preserve and enhance the biodiversity of local
ecosystems when developing new properties and
during the operation of our standing investments. In
2021, we established a biodiversity and habitat policy
to ensure our development and operations teams
are continuously evaluating site design strategies
and management practices that promote, and not
negatively impact, biodiversity.
When selecting sites for new developments, we give
preference to greyfields and brownfields to reduce
development pressure on natural habitats. When
sites are contaminated, we remediate the soil and
water according to local and national environmental
standards to transform sites into community and
environmental assets. Whenever possible, we
preserve mature trees and native soils to maintain
canopy coverage and reduce the heat island effect. To
minimize the impact of artificial lighting on wildlife,
we design site lighting to minimize light pollution
and trespass. During on-going building operations,
we utilize environmentally sensitive products for pest
management, landscaping, snow and ice removal and
cleaning activities to prevent harmful chemicals from
entering the environment and the potential loss of
biodiversity and habitat.
DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES
THAT PROMOTE BIODIVERSITY
AND CREATE HABITAT:
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Give preference to greyfields and brownfields
Remediation of contaminated sites
Soil preservation
Tree preservation
Native/pollinator plant species
Green roofs
Minimize light pollution
Energy and water conservation strategies
Material recycling
Minimize development footprints
INNSBROOK TRAIL SYSTEM | RICHMOND
The Innsbrook office park in Richmond, VA, includes 37 acres of lakes, five miles of
walking trails and is home to 1,500 apartment residences, over 27,000 office workers
and a diversity of flora and fauna. In 2018, we reimagined the trail system after nearly
40 years of use by the community. Through extensive research and planning, we
redesigned the trail system to include wider trails, colorful branded signage, mileage
markers and activity zones.
The Henrico school system now utilizes the Innsbrook trail system as a learning
center for children. Customers and neighbors fish in the lakes, bird watching clubs
host regular meetings and a boat club uses our lake system for regattas. Additionally,
numerous annual fundraising events are hosted on the trail system, including the
Heart Walk and the Live Red Youth Triathlon.
We added public parking spots so that visitors are free to park, walk the trails and
enjoy the natural setting. Meditation, yoga classes and outdoor music are also
organized so that our community can benefit from our efforts. Innsbrook has always
been a special place and it is our responsibility to keep it that way for the future.
WALKING TRAIL | BEFORE
WALKING TRAIL | AFTER
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