Biodiversity & the Built Environment Community of Practice – Meeting #10

About the event

At our third Community of Practice meeting of 2025, we will be exploring nature in the built environment, from the value of native species to pollinator-friendly species, and the growing challenge of invasive ones.

Are native species always the best choice? What should we consider in a changing climate? And how do we tackle the spread of invasive species, including unregulated ones?

Join us for a discussion on how thoughtful design and planning can help support and enhance biodiversity where we live, work, and build.

Agenda

9:15 | Registration & Networking
9:30 | Welcome – Irene Rondini, IGBC

9:40 | Right Plant, Right Place: Choosing Plants for Urban Landscapes

Native, pollinator-friendly species, and beyond – what to grow and why It matters
Speaker: Dr. Noeleen Smyth, Assistant Professor, Environmental & Sustainable Horticulture at University College Dublin

10:00 | Understanding Invasive Species in the Built Environment

An overview of key invasive species affecting built areas and ways to prevent their spread.
Speaker: Kate Moore, Invasive Species Engagement Officer at the National Biodiversity Data Centre

10:20 | Panel Discussion

A conversation with experts from the built environment, landscaping, and ecology, sharing real-world approaches to managing native and invasive species on construction and landscape projects.

Panellists

• William Earle, Biosecurity Manager at INVAS Biosecurity
• Lorcán Scott, Biodiversity Officer at Office of Public Works (OPW) 
• Oisín Griffin, Head of Landscape Architecture and Urban Design at Cairn Homes
• Noeleen Smyth, Assistant Professor, Environmental & Sustainable Horticulture at University College Dublin
• Kate Moore, Invasive Species Engagement Officer at the National Biodiversity Data Centre

11: 55 | Q&A

11: 30 | Ends

This event is for members only. Please sign in to register.

• If you are a member and you don’t have credentials to log in, please contact Member Services.
• If you are not a member and would like to join, please get in touch with Ellen to discuss your membership.