The role of native plants in sustainable building

Ecology represents one of the main pillars of sustainable building, which facilitates the protection of environments and biological systems. The integration of green spaces and the careful selection of plants when building not only improve the quality of life of those who live in buildings and cities, but also have a positive impact on the environment. However, it is essential to consider which plants or species are the most suitable in general but also at the project level.

Ecology in sustainable certifications

Ecology is one of the branches that are evaluated in the main sustainability certifications, such as BREEAM or LEED. Both certifications include comprehensive categories dedicated to soil and ecosystem care:

• Land Use and Ecology in BREEAM
• Sustainable Sites in LEED

These categories provide for a variety of credits, including credits for planting native species on the sites or green spaces of the buildings. This type of plant has fewer needs when it comes to being watered, making them the best option for preserving local biodiversity and reducing water consumption.

In addition to the selection of native species, other sustainable strategies can be implemented, such as the installation of rainwater collection tanks. This water can be used for irrigation or for non-potable uses, such as flushing toilets, thus contributing to the reduction of water use.

Other sustainability certifications, such as WELL, also recognise the importance of plants and vegetation in buildings. WELL, focused on ensuring the comfort and well-being of the occupants, includes the use of natural elements due to their psychological benefits, as reflected in the credit "Nature and Place" (M02).

Native plants in Spain

Spain is a country rich in biodiversity, but at the same time greatly affected by long periods of drought and increasingly infrequent rains. For this reason, native plants have had to adapt to water scarcity. This characteristic makes native plants the best option when designing green spaces in sustainable buildings and cities.

In addition to their ability to survive in arid conditions, native plants offer a number of environmental benefits, such as oxygen generation and wildlife habitat creation. Likewise, their inclusion in urban environments brings social and economic advantages, such as the mitigation of rainwater runoff and the promotion of psychological well-being through connection with nature.

Although the catalogue of native species in Spain includes more than 7,000 varieties, some stand out for their frequent use in sustainable building projects:

Pistacia lentiscus

• This species, known as mastic, belonging to the Anacardiaceae family, is an ideal choice for the creation of plant barriers, thanks to its height of 1 to 5 metres and its evergreen foliage.
• It shows a remarkable resistance to frost and a capacity to adapt to various types of soils, including chalky and saline soils, and is frequently found in coastal areas.
• Its berries, known as mastic, are edible and have traditionally been used in food and medicinal products.

Phyla nodiflora

• It is noted for its ability to form dense vegetation mats, making it ideal for ground cover and erosion control.
• Its drought resistance and ability to grow on a wide range of soils make it a versatile choice for sustainable landscaping projects.
• It also attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which contributes to local biodiversity.

Euphorbia rigida

• This species belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae and is known for its resistance to adverse environmental conditions, such as soil salinity.
• It is a succulent plant, which means that it stores water in its tissues to survive in arid environments.
• Its flowers are yellowish-green and are produced in terminal clusters, which offers aesthetic value in landscaping projects.

Ampelodesmos mauritanica

• Commonly known as reed, this member of the Poaceae family is native to the Mediterranean region.
• It forms dense clumps of rigid stems, reaching a height of up to two meters.
• Its deep roots help prevent soil erosion and stabilise slopes and hillsides, making it an ideal choice for the restoration of degraded lands.

Salvia rosmarinus

• Popularly known as rosemary, this perennial shrub stands out for its evergreen foliage and its white, pink, purple or blue flowers.
• Rosemary is an aromatic and medicinal plant widely used in Mediterranean cuisine and traditional medicine.
• Its aromatic leaves contain volatile compounds that are used as a seasoning in a variety of dishes, as well as in the preparation of infusions and essential oils.

The ANTHOS project: Iberian flora

The ANTHOS programme is a benchmark achievement in the classification of native plants in Spain, determining those plants with low water requirements, among many other characteristics. This project, developed by the Royal Botanical Garden, constitutes an invaluable database for both the scientific community in various fields of research and the public in general.

The core of the ANTHOS project is the "Iberian Flora" initiative, consisting of 21 volumes covering the vascular flora of the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands, as well as the Macaronesian flora of the Canary Islands. On its web platform, more than 1.7 million chorological records on native plants are compiled, integrating this information with cartographic data and reference maps.

The ANTHOS program provides a wide range of detailed information about each species, including its scientific name and synonyms, geographical distribution, photographs and drawings, cytological data such as chromosome number, as well as its conservation status and availability in germplasm banks.