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The New Zealand Biodiversity Factor—Residential (NZBF-R): A Tool to Rapidly Score the Relative Biodiversity Value of Urban Residential Developments

Author

Listed:
  • Jacqueline Theis

    (Zoology Department, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand)

  • Christopher K. Woolley

    (Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne Centre for People and Nature, Wellington 6012, New Zealand)

  • Philip J. Seddon

    (Zoology Department, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand)

  • Danielle F. Shanahan

    (Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne Centre for People and Nature, Wellington 6012, New Zealand)

  • Claire Freeman

    (Wellington School of Architecture, Wellington Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation, Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington 6011, New Zealand)

  • Maibritt Pedersen Zari

    (School of Future Environments, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland 1010, New Zealand)

  • Yolanda van Heezik

    (Zoology Department, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand)

Abstract

The loss of biodiversity in urban residential areas that are densifying in response to increasing housing demand has serious implications for urban ecosystem functioning and human wellbeing. There is an urgent need for integrating biodiversity-sensitive design into urban planning and development. While several existing “Green Factor” tools guide greening strategies in cities, none have biodiversity as their primary focus. We describe here a tool that specifically evaluates biodiversity in residential developments, with a particular emphasis on supporting native biodiversity. The NZBF-R (New Zealand Biodiversity Factor—Residential) also educates users through embedded explanations on how various design features positively impact biodiversity and it provides tailored recommendations for effective biodiversity enhancement, enabling urban professionals to make informed landscape design decisions. Developed through literature review, analyses of existing Green Factor tools, and a robust weighting process, the NZBF-R identifies and ranks characteristics that support urban biodiversity, based on evidence from the scientific literature. We demonstrate the application of the NZBF-R on one case study. The NZBF-R can be applied across the planning, design, and retrofitting stages of urban residential projects, making it a valuable resource for urban planners and designers.

Suggested Citation

  • Jacqueline Theis & Christopher K. Woolley & Philip J. Seddon & Danielle F. Shanahan & Claire Freeman & Maibritt Pedersen Zari & Yolanda van Heezik, 2025. "The New Zealand Biodiversity Factor—Residential (NZBF-R): A Tool to Rapidly Score the Relative Biodiversity Value of Urban Residential Developments," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-32, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:14:y:2025:i:3:p:526-:d:1604244
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    4. Richard D. Bardgett & Wim H. van der Putten, 2014. "Belowground biodiversity and ecosystem functioning," Nature, Nature, vol. 515(7528), pages 505-511, November.
    5. Amin Rastandeh & Maibritt Pedersen Zari & Daniel K. Brown & Robert Vale, 2018. "Utilising exotic flora in support of urban indigenous biodiversity: lessons for landscape architecture," Landscape Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 43(5), pages 708-720, July.
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