Scape and Aveo’s Urban Biodiversity Improvement
Developing a scalable, urban biodiversity assessment and planting framework
Client: Scape & Aveo
Industry Sector: Property
Service: Nature Advisory
Location: National – NSW, VIC, QLD, and SA
About this Project
Niche was engaged by Scape and Aveo (part of The Living Company) to support their efforts to measure and actively improve biodiversity outcomes across their growing national property portfolio.
Scape is a provider of student accommodation with 38 operational buildings, and Aveo is a retirement living accommodation provider with 67 villages and 10,000 independent living units. The Living Company aims to be a leader in sustainable building operations and its property assets across Australia’s major cities present a unique and valuable opportunity to support local urban biodiversity.
Niche is supporting Scape and Aveo with a program of biodiversity assessment and monitoring. This includes the development of a bespoke, scalable biodiversity assessment method which aligns with global frameworks while being flexible to apply in a small-scale urban environment. We have conducted baseline assessments using this method to support the verification of biodiversity condition improvement across the portfolio.
Niche is also supporting Scape with city‑specific native planting frameworks to improve biodiversity at their locations.
Measuring urban biodiversity
Urban environments present unique challenges for biodiversity assessment and improvement. The sites in the Scape and Aveo portfolio are typically characterised by small assessment areas, hardscape‑dominated settings and fragmented planting zones, which can make the application of traditional ecological assessment frameworks difficult.
Niche worked closely with The Living Company’s sustainability team to develop a tailored biodiversity assessment method designed specifically to measure gain in biodiversity condition across their assets. Drawing on Niche’s extensive experience in ecological assessment and nature frameworks, the method was designed to align with local and international best-practice nature methodologies such as Accounting for Nature (AfN), the Nature Repair Market (NRM), and state biodiversity assessment frameworks in NSW and Queensland.
The Niche team has conducted baseline ecological surveys at selected Aveo properties using the bespoke assessment method. This will provide an understanding of the biodiversity condition at the sites and will then be monitored over time to track improvements achieved through landscaping initiatives.
“It has been fantastic to work collaboratively with The Living Company in the development of this tailored biodiversity assessment framework and to see firsthand their commitment to nature. This unique and practical solution will enable them to measurably improve biodiversity on the ground and demonstrate how the property sector can contribute to Australia’s critical nature restoration efforts.”
-Betha Westall, Associate – Natural Capital at Niche
“Niche didn’t just hand us a framework, they built one with us, around the realities of our sites. Niche helped us develop a cost-effective, pragmatic biodiversity net gain method that is appropriate for a small landscape intervention at a single site. That collaborative approach is exactly why the results feel credible, not just compliant.”
-Chris Nunn, General Manager – ESG at The Living Company
Bringing it to life
The assessment framework was delivered in parallel with the development of city‑specific biodiversity planting lists for Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide where The Living Company has many property assets. This practical guidance helps to translate strategic sustainability objectives into on‑ground action.
These planting lists are informed by local ecological context and prioritise locally indigenous or regionally appropriate species, as well incorporate species & features that provide food, shelter, and breeding resources for urban fauna such as birds, pollinators and mammals.
Operational teams will use the lists for planting vegetation across rooftop and balcony planter boxes, small gardens and landscaped walkways — demonstrating that meaningful biodiversity action can be taken in any environment or location.
“Every one of our sites, no matter how small, can play a role in restoring local biodiversity. That’s the shift we’re trying to make, from good intentions to measurable action.”
Looking ahead
The biodiversity assessment method and planting framework developed by Niche establish a foundation for future biodiversity monitoring, reporting and continuous improvement across The Living Company’s assets. The approach has been designed to support pilot implementation, internal capability building and potential future refinement as nature positive strategy continues to evolve.
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Key People
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Betha Westall BEnvSc, BGS
Associate – Natural Capital
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Julia Ward MEng, BEnv
Project Developer – Natural Capital
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Simon Tweed BEnvSc (Hons), Accredited BAM Assessor
Manager – Natural Capital Strategy
