What is climate-positive design?

The climate crisis continues to escalate, and with that, there is a dire need for innovative and proactive business sustainability strategies. Climate-positive design has emerged as a powerful approach, aiming to not only reduce carbon emissions but to reverse them. 

This forward-thinking strategy actively contributes to restoring ecological balance while addressing some of the most significant environmental challenges. From urban planning to agriculture, climate-positive design is transforming how industries approach development and resource use. But what does this approach entail, and how can it pave the way for a more sustainable future? Keep reading to find out more. 

What is climate-positive design? 

Climate-positive design is an innovative approach to sustainable design. It aims to go beyond net-zero carbon emissions by creating projects or products that actively remove more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than they emit. This forward-thinking strategy is commonly applied in fields such as architecture, urban planning, and landscape design. 

Key principles of climate-positive design 

Below is a breakdown of the main principles and goals of climate-positive design:

Carbon sequestration

Climate-positive design incorporates natural elements like trees, soil, and vegetation, which absorb and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. For instance, planting trees and creating green spaces help sequester carbon over the long term. Additionally, landscapes are designed to maximise carbon storage through sustainable practices like regenerative agriculture, reforestation, and wetland restoration.

Minimising embodied carbon

The embodied carbon of building materials and construction processes contributes to approximately 11 percent of global carbon emissions and 28 percent of building sector emissions annually. Climate-positive design prioritises materials with lower embodied carbon, such as recycled or locally sourced materials. Moreover, it strives to reduce waste via efficient resource use and careful planning. 

Renewable energy integration

Climate-positive projects usually incorporate renewable energy sources to power the project. By generating clean energy through the likes of solar panels on-site, these projects can offset their own operational emissions. In some cases, they can even contribute surplus energy back to the grid.

Long-term carbon balance

Climate-positive design aims to create a lasting impact by achieving a net reduction in carbon emissions over the life cycle of the project. It does this by designing buildings and landscapes that will capture more carbon over their lifetime than they emit. With this in mind, these projects contribute positively to the global carbon balance. 

Enhanced biodiversity and ecosystem health

Climate-positive design also considers broader ecological health, aiming to restore and protect biodiversity. Measures implemented to achieve this include designing spaces that support native plant species, creating habitats for wildlife and restoring natural ecosystems. 

Community and economic benefits

It should also be noted that climate-positive design typically includes features that benefit the surrounding community. For example, recreational areas, green spaces, and sustainable infrastructure. In addition, these projects can stimulate local economies by creating green jobs, increasing property values, and reducing energy costs for residents.

Applications in different sectors 

Here’s how climate-positive design is being implemented in different sectors. 

Architecture and real estate

Climate-positive design in the architecture and real estate sectors looks to reduce emissions while creating buildings that actively benefit the environment. This can be achieved by using carbon-sequestering materials like timber, integrating energy-efficient systems and passive design strategies, and generating renewable energy on-site through solar or wind systems. 

Green roofs, vertical gardens, and circular construction practices further enhance carbon sequestration and minimise waste. By adopting these strategies, developments can achieve net-positive outcomes, supporting climate goals while fostering healthier, more sustainable communities.

Urban planning and infrastructure

Climate-positive design in urban planning and infrastructure focuses on creating sustainable, multifunctional spaces that benefit both the environment and communities. Urban forests and green corridors, for example, sequester carbon, reduce urban heat, improve air quality, and support biodiversity while offering recreational areas for residents. 

Sustainable transportation systems can integrate climate-positive principles by prioritising bike lanes, pedestrian pathways, and electric public transit systems to minimise fossil fuel use and lower emissions. Additionally, green infrastructure, such as permeable pavements, rain gardens, and bioswales, plays a vital role in managing stormwater sustainably, enhancing carbon sequestration, and supporting urban biodiversity.

Agriculture and food production

The agriculture and food production industries can embrace climate-positive design by implementing practices that boost productivity while restoring ecosystems. Regenerative agriculture plays a vital role, focusing on rebuilding soil health, increasing biodiversity, and sequestering carbon. Techniques like cover cropping, crop rotation, and no-till farming enhance soil fertility, reduce erosion, and improve water retention, creating resilient farming systems that actively capture carbon.

Agroforestry complements these efforts by integrating trees and shrubs into agricultural landscapes, serving as natural carbon sinks while improving soil structure and providing habitats for wildlife. Additionally, sustainable aquaculture offers marine-based solutions, such as carbon-absorbing seaweed and shellfish farms, which not only enhance water quality but also contribute to significant carbon sequestration. 

Retail and consumer goods

The retail and consumer goods sector can embrace climate-positive design by integrating sustainability into operations and infrastructure. Sustainable store design plays a crucial role, with retail spaces constructed using eco-friendly materials, powered by renewable energy, and equipped with water-saving systems. These stores actively reduce emissions, conserve resources, and serve as visible commitments to sustainability.

Additionally, circular packaging and green supply chains are vital for reducing environmental impact. Circular packaging, made from biodegradable, reusable, or recycled materials, lowers waste and reliance on raw materials while aligning with consumer demand for eco-friendly products. Green supply chains further support climate-positive efforts by sourcing products from suppliers using regenerative agriculture, renewable energy, and efficient logistics.

Summary

Climate-positive design represents a bold and necessary shift in how industries tackle the dual crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. By integrating strategies that go beyond net-zero emissions, this approach offers a pathway to mitigate environmental harm and create systems that regenerate and restore. As the principles of climate-positive design gain traction, it ultimately holds the potential to redefine how sectors operate. 

However, scaling this approach requires more than just ambition; it demands knowledge and expertise. The sustainability knowledge gap is a major barrier preventing many organisations from getting started. From ESG reporting to decarbonisation, biodiversity, and more, our sustainability education for professionals allows participants to take meaningful action and lead the way in building a greener economy.