Bio-diversity Net Gain - do you know how it will affect you?
How will the new Biodiversity Net Gain legislation affect your project?
Biodiversity net gain is a new piece of legislation that will come into effect in November 2023. This will require developers to create 10% more habitat value than they remove when developing a site and ensure those habitats are managed for a period of 30 years. The main aims of the legislation are to halt the decline of biodiversity, and to increase the overall amount of wildlife in the UK.
Many people are unsure about how this legislation will affect their developments. Will it make them more expensive? Will it delay them? In this article, we'll explore some of the potential impacts of biodiversity net gain on your project.
What is Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)?
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) forms legislation as part of the Environment Act and provides framework that supports ecological enhancements in the built environment, which benefit both nature and people. Landscape Architects, Ecologists, and Sustainable Drainage Engineers play an important role in its implementation. Through creative consideration of site context and associated mitigation measures, BNG aims to increase the area’s biodiversity potential over baseline levels. Its successful implementation will help combat climate change with increased species diversity and ecosystem diversity while also providing wider community benefits.
What are the benefits of BNG legislation?
The implementation of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) legislation can provide numerous tangible and intangible benefits for our environment. By requiring developers to create a 10% net increase in biodiversity on development sites, wildlife habitats are enhanced, species protection will be improved, ecosystem health is safeguarded, and communities have access to improved green spaces. From an environmental conservation standpoint, this legislation helps achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals by helping protect current biodiversity levels and restore ecosystems in line with global principles for sustainable management. Additionally, this policy promotes the value of nature within the development process, positively contributes to the green economy, and helps communities connect with nature more regularly. All in all, BNG is a powerful tool that can help improve our ecosystems without sacrificing economic growth.
How will BNG affect your project development process?
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requires project developers to go beyond legal minimum requirements when enhancing ecosystems. As a result, the design process must be adapted to ensure the 10% enhancement BNG targets are being achieved. The responsibilities range from engaging with Landscape Architects and Ecologists early in the design process to inform appropriate restoration and habitat enhancement, conduct detailed surveys and advise on implementing holistic interventions that are best suited to individual sites. This effectively puts more emphasis on ecological considerations within the development process over economic goals, so it's important to plan carefully and thoroughly in order to determine how best BNG principles can be implemented into the site planning process. Allocating sufficient resources and early engagement is essential in order for developers, designers and planners to realise these goals - a proactive investment that ultimately pays dividends.
What are the challenges of implementing BNG on your project site?
There are many challenges associated with implementing Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) on a project site. Firstly, it is often difficult to accurately measure biodiversity gain as it can include different habitats in a range of different conditions. Additionally, when creating wildlife habitats as part of BNG projects, land owners and developers have to consider the potential risks posed by invasive species while trying to enable beneficial interactions between species in order to create sustainable ecosystems. Another challenge is that due to new influences from development, habitat connectivity may be interrupted which can effect the successfulness of some projects, the wider ecosystem context is therefore important. Furthermore, monitoring the success of these initiatives requires a 30 year management plan which can be difficult for project sites to maintain post completion. To ensure successful BNG implementations on a project site, it is important for developers and stakeholders to take into consideration all of these challenges in order to formulate suitable strategies for conservation.
How can you overcome these challenges and ensure a successful outcome for your project and the environment?
To ensure a successful outcome for your project and the environment, it is critical to start early with a strategy that implements a biodiversity net gain strategy. Developing a plan that separates contribution targets from restoration efforts helps businesses, developers and other stakeholders become more efficient in their efforts. Additionally, utilising ecological assessment techniques, such as geospatial datasets and habitat mapping, provides insight into how viable the proposed land use area is and which recommendations should be adopted to maximize environmental benefit. Ultimately, biodiversity net gain offers an opportunity for all stakeholders involved to create a better outcome for our environment while also allowing them to achieve their desired objectives.
In summary, Biodiversity Net Gain, or BNG, is an important piece of legislation that leverages the development process to improve the environment with rich and diverse habitats. Implementing BNG can be challenging and requires ample and early site planning, but it has many potential rewards for all involved parties. Developers and their project partners can gain a competitive advantage in terms of sustainability and cost-effectiveness, while the natural environment benefits from increased biodiversity. The key to success lies in understanding your project's needs and developing a plan that meets those needs cost-effectively while also providing safe habitat for local species and ecosystems. At Land Studio we have the knowledge and experience to help you develop holistic site solutions that harmoniously balance development needs with a commitment to conservation for years to come. Contact us today so we can start working together towards successful outcomes for your project, people, and planet.