URBAN BEEKEEPING AND GREEN BUILDINGS: Supporting Biodiversity in Tropical Cities

As Philippine cities evolve and urban density increases, the concept of green building is transforming beyond just energy efficiency and water conservation. Today, sustainable buildings are designed not only to reduce their ecological footprint but also to foster urban ecosystems, enhance biodiversity, and promote community well-being. A compelling and effective practice that aligns with these aspirations is urban beekeeping. Once confined to rural landscapes, beekeeping is now thriving on rooftops, green roofs, and in mixed-use developments in vibrant cities around the world, and this could be possible if not done so in any Philippine crowded cities like Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao. When thoughtfully implemented, urban beekeeping not only enriches the ecological value of green buildings but also supports sustainability efforts in urban tropical environments. Embracing this practice can lead to healthier cities, stronger communities, and a thriving environment for both people and pollinators.

OBJECTIVE

These are a mix of academic research, expert commentary, and reputable reporting that relate directly to urban beekeeping, biodiversity, green roofs, and sustainable buildings. This blog serves as an essential supplement to my previous discussions on green building, seamlessly weaving together conceptual insights, practical applications of sustainability, and captivating case studies on biodiversity and ecosystems that highlight their relevance to tropical climates. Moreover, it aligns perfectly with green building rating systems, culminating in a powerful conclusion while offering valuable citations for readers eager to delve deeper into this critical topic.

Urban Beekeeping in a Tropical Context

In tropical countries such as the Philippines, biodiversity is naturally high, but rapid urbanization has fragmented habitats for pollinators. Concrete surfaces, heat islands, and the loss of flowering vegetation threaten bees and other insects essential to food systems. Urban beekeeping reintroduces pollinators into city environments, especially when paired with Green roofs and sky gardens, vertical greenery systems, and urban farms and community gardens. In the Philippine context, bees can thrive year-round due to the warm climate and availability of flowering plants, making cities surprisingly suitable environments when properly designed. In this case I would greatly advise clients or building owners to carefully plan on any projects involving beekeeping. Seek professional advise such as sustainability specialized architects, biologists, environmental scientists, etc.

Strengthening Biodiversity Through Green Buildings﾿

A key goal of green building is to restore ecological function, not just reduce environmental harm. Rooftop beehives support pollination of native and ornamental plants. Bees help maintain healthy vegetation in green roofs and landscaped podiums. Pollination improves plant resilience, contributing to urban cooling and stormwater management. Scientific research shows that green roofs can support diverse communities of bee species in urban areas, acting as habitat patches and sources of forage in otherwise hardened landscapes.

Green building link: Sustainable sites, site ecology, and biodiversity enhancement.

Synergy with Green Roofs and Urban Agriculture

Urban beekeeping works best as part of an integrated design strategy.

In the Philippines, many green buildings already include rooftop gardens, edible landscapes and community vegetable plots. Bees improve crop yield and plant health in these spaces, supporting local food production and reducing dependence on imported produce. Rooftop hives and urban agriculture together convert underutilized space into thriving ecosystems that support both people and pollinators.

Green building link: Urban agriculture, food security, and productive landscapes.

Social Sustainability and Environmental Awareness

Green buildings in tropical cities must also respond to social and cultural sustainability.

Urban beekeeping offers educational opportunities for residents, students, and building users; awareness of pollinators’ role in food systems; and community engagement through workshops or guided tours. Companies and developers can also use rooftop beehives to enhance sustainability reporting and engage stakeholders, linking built environments with natural systems.

Green building link: Social sustainability, occupant engagement, and environmental education.

Climate Resilience in Philippine Cities

Bees indirectly support climate adaptation strategies:

• Pollinated plants grow stronger and survive extreme weather better

• Healthy vegetation improves air quality and microclimates

• Local food systems reduce carbon emissions from transportation

As climate risks such as heat waves and flooding increase in tropical cities, green buildings that support living systems—like pollinators—become more resilient and adaptive.

Green building link: Climate resilience and adaptive design.

Alignment with Philippine Green Building Frameworks

Urban beekeeping complements local and international rating systems:

• BERDE (Philippines) — Site ecology, environmental initiatives, community engagement

• LEED — Sustainable Sites, Innovation, Community Connectivity

• BREEAM / Green Star — Land use and ecological value

Beekeeping activities (e.g., rooftop apiaries) and enhanced pollinator habitats support broader ecological strategies that help buildings perform better across sustainability metrics.

Responsible Design and Local Considerations

To ensure urban beekeeping supports green building goals, careful planning is essential:

• Proper hive placement away from pedestrian areas

• Use of locally appropriate or native bee species

• Compliance with local ordinances and barangay regulations

• Professional hive management to ensure safety and bee health

Urban beekeeping must be designed to minimize conflicts, ensure safe coexistence, and protect pollinator welfare in densely populated areas.

FINAL THOUGHTS: Buildings as Living Participants

Urban beekeeping revolutionizes green buildings, turning them from mere structures into vital participants in urban ecosystems. In tropical cities like those in the Philippines, where biodiversity and climate challenges converge, this practice not only supports pollinators but also enhances green roofs, fosters community connections, and strengthens ecological resilience. By embracing urban beekeeping, green buildings can truly fulfill their mission: harmonizing with nature, even in the bustling heart of the city.

Ar. JOEY CASTANEDA

Architect, Sustainable Architecture

Link in account for architectural works.

Linktree account for artworks.

CITATIONS

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/urban-beekeeping-on-green-rooftops

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-28698-7

https://www.alveole.buzz/blog/sustainable-urban-beekeeping/

https://urbanbee.lt/en/

https://urbanbeeyard.site/

PHOTO ATTRIBUTION

All photos are copyrighted owned by Architalktural

PRINTS:

FLORAL BEEHIVE SEAMLESS PATTERN DESIGN:

https://www.redbubble.com/i/throw-pillow/Floral-Beehive-Seamless-Pattern-by-joeycastaneda/170666532.5X2YF

THE THREE CONSTANT THEMES IN SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE | Architalktural

The EDGE, Amsterdam

THE THREE CONSTANT THEMES IN SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE

Sustainable architecture is not merely a technical practice; it is a vital cultural, environmental, and civic commitment that shapes our world. Across centuries and continents, three powerful themes—Tradition, Technology, and Urbanism—have guided our efforts to build responsibly and harmoniously with our environment. These themes are intricately connected, each enhancing the others and evolving in tandem. Let’s delve into each theme and explore inspiring examples that vividly demonstrate the potential of sustainable design to create a brighter future for all.

OBJECTIVE

In my older blogs, I keep mentioning my work experiences and accomplishments sometime in the late 80s to early 90s when I was unaware of the subject “sustainability” or “sustainable architecture” yet, because at that time, discussions or any integration with the educational sector about this subject had not emerged yet. I have done projects where I was tasked to find solutions on how to reduce carbon emissions in our company’s boiler facility and create cleaner smoke coming out from the exhaust chimney. Another project I was tasked to manage is the tallow fat collection system to prevent it from accumulating in the sewage pipes. I was also involved in the maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant, which I believe has something to do with sustainability. These are projects and assignments where I have spent so much time doing extensive research work, however, I cannot remember coming across the word “sustainability” included in the research materials. Well, maybe there were some discussions, but perhaps on different terminologies.

This blog is based partially on my work experiences and partially on the education I acquired on the subject of sustainable architecture. Aside from the two previous topics I posted, I believe this would be another vital information to add to your knowledge, if you are serious about learning the subject matter. If in case you have not done so, I would highly recommend that you read the previous blogs first so you can easily understand this topic. Here are the links:

THE THREE PILLARS OF SUSTAINABILITY AND THEIR ROLE IN SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE

THE SCALES OF SUSTAINABLE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

The Three Common Themes in Sustainable Architecture

1. Tradition

Tradition in architecture embodies the timeless wisdom of generations past, focusing on the vital relationship between design and the environment. Before the advent of modern construction methods, communities cultivated site-specific strategies to thrive in their unique climates. From the ingenious wind catchers of Persian architecture to the sturdy adobe walls of desert dwellings, traditional designs arose not only as aesthetic choices but as essential responses to the surrounding natural conditions. They provided comfort, efficiency, and a profound sense of belonging. These vernacular techniques reflect an inherent sustainability, relying primarily on passive systems such as ventilation, thermal mass, shading, and orientation rather than energy-intensive mechanical solutions. In this sense, traditional architecture serves as an inspiring blueprint for low-impact living, showcasing how buildings can harmonize with the environment rather than disrupt it.

Hassan Fathy’s New Gourna Village in Egypt

Consider the example of Hassan Fathy’s New Gourna Village in Egypt. In the 1940s, Fathy championed this revival of tradition by employing local materials like mud brick (adobe), as well as designs that include domed roofs and courtyards, all tailored to the desert's harsh climate. His mission was clear: to create dignified and sustainable housing for the underprivileged by utilizing local resources and labor. Fathy’s work stands as a powerful testament to the potential of sustainable design, proving that architecture can be both culturally enriching and environmentally sound.

2. Technology

While tradition offers valuable lessons from the past, technology propels us toward a more sustainable future. The hallmark of human progress, especially in architecture, is our unique ability to utilize tools and systems to reshape our environment. Sustainable architecture embodies this advancement, employing innovative materials, digital modeling, and energy-efficient systems to reduce environmental impact and enhance building performance. It's crucial to recognize that technology doesn't oppose tradition; it builds on it. Effective design seamlessly integrates modern innovations with time-honored practices. For instance, dynamic shading systems echo the passive cooling techniques of traditional screens, while green roofs revive the cooling advantages of earth-covered homes through modern engineering solutions. The essence lies in achieving a harmonious balance: using technology not as a replacement for thoughtful design but as a catalyst for improvement. Our innovations must focus on ecological objectives, prioritizing energy efficiency, renewable resources, carbon footprint reduction, and long-term sustainability.

The EDGE, Amsterdam

**Example: The Edge Building, Amsterdam** Lauded as one of the greenest office buildings globally, The Edge exemplifies how advanced technology can significantly lower energy consumption and elevate occupant comfort. Its intelligent systems adapt lighting and climate based on real-time occupancy, solar panels generate surplus energy, and rainwater is collected for reuse. This building stands as a testament to the powerful synergy between digital advancements and environmental stewardship, paving the way for truly sustainable architectural practices.

3. Urbanism

Architecture thrives within a larger urban framework; it does not exist in isolation. As cities become the primary living environment for most of the global population, sustainable architecture must extend beyond individual building designs and engage with the interconnected systems that form our urban spaces. Urbanism compels us to reconsider essential aspects like infrastructure, mobility, density, land use, and social equity. The vitality of sustainability is largely determined by how effectively we design our cities. Thoughtful urban planning enhances walkability, promotes efficient public transport, creates ample green spaces, manages water resources wisely, and supports mixed-use developments—all of which significantly influence both a building's environmental impact and its social contribution. Additionally, civic engagement and robust policy frameworks are pivotal in crafting sustainable urban landscapes. Architects and planners must actively participate in and advocate for systems that nurture sustainable living, ensuring that communities can thrive in harmony with our planet.

Vauban District, Frieburg, Germany

**Example: Vauban District, Freiburg, Germany** Vauban stands as a pioneering demonstration of sustainable urbanism. Built on a former military base, this car-light neighborhood boasts solar-powered homes, abundant green areas, and a planning process centered on community involvement. With its focus on high-density housing, integrated public transport, and energy-efficient building practices, Vauban offers a compelling example of how intentional urban design can foster a low-carbon future while enhancing residents' quality of life.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Sustainable architecture relies on the powerful interplay of tradition, technology, and urbanism. Tradition grounds us in our ecological heritage, reminding us of our responsibility to the environment; technology empowers us with innovative solutions that can meet modern challenges; and urbanism connects our efforts within the intricate web of society. By harmonizing these three elements—and drawing inspiration from successful global examples—we can create built environments that not only sustain life but also enrich our communities and enhance our quality of life.

Ar. J CASTANEDA

Architect, Sustainable Architecture

Link in account for architectural works.

Linktree account for artworks.

Photo attributions:

Hassan Fathy’s New Gourna Village in Egypt (RBSCL, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons)

The Edge, Amsterdam (MrAronymous, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons)

Vauban, Freiburg (Andreas Schwarzkopf, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons)