HIW CRR 2022 FINAL - Flipbook - Page 24
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 implemented a Biodiversity & 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
Minimize light pollution
GULCH GREENWAY
Highwoods partnered
with Asurion and Metro
Parks to redesign and
expand more than a
quarter mile linear park
with a new trailhead to
the Gulch Greenway.
Located near the
Asurion Gulch Hub, this
amenity will benefit the
Nashville community who
live, work and serve here.
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