Nature-Based Solutions
The EU Taxonomy explicitly favours nature-based solutions: adaptation measures must "consider the use of nature-based solutions or rely on blue or green infrastructure" (Delegated Regulation 2021/2139, Appendix A).
Types of Nature-Based Solutions
Green Roofs
Vegetated roof systems that reduce surface temperatures by 20–40°C compared to conventional roofs. Provide insulation, stormwater retention, and biodiversity habitat.
Green Facades
Climbing plants or modular green wall systems on building exteriors. Reduce wall surface temperatures and improve air quality through particulate capture.
Urban Trees
Street trees and urban canopy provide shade, evapotranspiration cooling, and wind modification. A mature tree can transpire up to 400 litres of water per day.
Bioswales & Rain Gardens
Landscaped drainage channels that capture and filter stormwater runoff. Reduce flood risk while recharging groundwater and supporting vegetation.
Permeable Pavements
Porous surfaces that allow rainwater to infiltrate rather than run off. Reduce surface water flooding and lower surface temperatures compared to asphalt.
Water Features & Retention
Ponds, fountains, and retention basins that provide evaporative cooling and manage stormwater. Can reduce local air temperatures by 1–3°C.
Cool / Reflective Surfaces
High-albedo materials for roofs, walls, and pavements that reflect solar radiation rather than absorbing it. Can reduce surface temperatures by 10–30°C.
How NBS Align with the Taxonomy
Nature-based solutions can contribute to multiple environmental objectives simultaneously.
Climate Adaptation
Cooling, shading, flood mitigation - directly address physical climate risks identified in the CRVA.
Biodiversity
Green roofs, urban trees, and bioswales create habitat corridors and support urban biodiversity.
Water & Marine Resources
Permeable surfaces and rain gardens reduce runoff, improve water quality, and recharge groundwater.
Circular Economy
NBS often use fewer manufactured materials than grey infrastructure alternatives, reducing resource consumption.
Evaluating NBS Effectiveness
The taxonomy requires that adaptation solutions are evidence-based. Before implementing NBS, you need to quantify their expected impact. Key metrics include:
CFD simulation can model these metrics before any construction begins - comparing baseline conditions against multiple NBS scenarios to find the most effective combination.
Model NBS Effectiveness Before You Build
CFD simulation lets you compare green roof vs. urban trees vs. cool surfaces - quantitatively - before spending on implementation. Get the evidence auditors need.