- Introduction to biodiversity management for sustainability managers of DIY, home improvement and garden centers
- With specific recommendations for action, the industry check helps to identify biodiversity risks and implement measures
- From strategy to purchasing to the company premises – a valuable guide to
analyzing and managing biodiversity in the company
Radolfzell, 04.06.2025: The first industry check on biodiversity for DIY and home improvement stores is here! The Global Nature Fund (GNF), supported by the German DIY, Construction and Garden Trade Association (BHB) and Bauhaus, Globus Baumarkt, OBI and Toom, has developed a guide to help companies in the DIY sector and garden centers to focus on biodiversity. This biodiversity industry check was developed as part of the “Unternehmen Biologische Vielfalt – UBi” project, which is funded by the BfN with funds from the Federal Ministry for the Environment as part of the Federal Biological Diversity Program. The aim of the document is to take a closer look at the impact of products and supply chains on nature and to implement positive changes in the area of biodiversity.
The industry check is now freely available to all companies in the sector and can be downloaded from the “Unternehmen Biologische Vielfalt” website in the knowledge pool(https://www.unternehmen-biologische-vielfalt.de/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Branchencheck-DIY-Biodiversitaet-2025.pdf). In addition to information on biodiversity, practical information and tips on strategy and management, company premises, product range design, purchasing and other departments such as HR or marketing, the check also provides specific work lists for sustainability officers in companies. The check thus offers an introduction to comprehensive corporate biodiversity management.
Why an industry check?
Nature plays a key role in the DIY and home improvement sector. Many raw materials such as wood, plants and substrates come directly from nature, and products and supply chains can have an impact on biodiversity.
The industry check offers orientation here: it shows where there is a need for action and how measures can be implemented. From procurement to site design, the guide provides practical approaches and checklists for identifying and specifically minimizing biodiversity risks.
The check looks at two product ranges in more detail when it comes to purchasing: Ornamental plants and building materials. It can therefore also provide interesting guidance for garden centers. The focus is on standards and certifications, the promotion of sustainable practices together with suppliers and raising customer awareness of biodiversity. The check also focuses on the overall strategy, company locations, logistics, marketing and personnel.
Initial successes and valuable insights
Several industry players such as Bauhaus, Globus Baumarkt, OBI and Toom have already carried out the biodiversity check and gained valuable insights. The feedback shows: The check is a helpful tool for integrating the topic of biodiversity more strongly into corporate strategies, revising purchasing processes and prioritizing measures in relation to risk products.
The structured and practice-oriented approach of the check is particularly appreciated. One of the participants describes it as “a long-term pool of knowledge that can be used again and again”. The companies also emphasize the high added value created by the sound professional support and the clear guidance that the check provides – for example, in determining materiality as part of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).
What comes next?
The developers of the check are calling on other companies to use the industry check and anchor biodiversity as an essential part of their sustainability strategy. Interested companies from the industry can contact the GNF.
Further information:
Details and further content on the biodiversity sector check can be found here:
Global Nature Fund | Biodiversity Check
About Unternehmen Biologische Vielfalt (UBi)
The aim of the project “Unternehmen Biologische Vielfalt – UBi” is to support the implementation of the National Biodiversity Strategy (NBS) and to activate companies for the topic of biodiversity. The project is funded by the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) as part of the Federal Biological Diversity Program with funds from the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Protection, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN).
The biodiversity sector check for the DIY sector was developed by the Global Nature Fund as part of the UBi project.
Further project partners are: The Lake Constance Foundation, “Biodiversity in Good Company”-Initiative e.V., DIHK Service GmbH & Collaborating Center on Sustainable Consumption and Production (CSCP).
www.unternehmen-biologische-vielfalt.de
About the Global Nature Fund (GNF)
The Global Nature Fund (GNF) is an international foundation registered in Germany with many years of experience in the implementation of water projects. The GNF is committed to sustainable global development within planetary boundaries through worldwide nature and environmental protection projects. The aim is to promote a healthy planet and intact biological diversity as the basis of life for people and nature. The GNF focuses on nature conservation, climate protection, water protection and economy & sustainability.
www.globalnature.org