In an era where environmental conservation is increasingly vital, the concept of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) has emerged as a crucial strategy to ensure that development projects contribute positively to the natural world.
For clients engaging in development ventures, understanding, and implementing strategies for BNG are not only ethical imperatives but also crucial for sustainable business practices.
Within this article, our ecology experts, Alice Palmer and Vicky Philpott, discuss how EMEC is working with clients to help them to navigate the new legislation and achieve a minimum of 10% BNG.
What is Biodiversity Net Gain?
Biodiversity Net Gain delivers measurable improvements for biodiversity by creating or enhancing habitats affected by development. BNG can be achieved on-site, off-site or through a combination of on-site and off-site measures, with a starting point always being what can be achieved on-site. As a last resort, developers can buy biodiversity credits to offset the loss caused by the development, however this is only an option where it is justified that sufficient BNG on- or off-site is not feasible.
The mandatory 10% BNG as set out in the Environment Act (November 2021) became statutory in February 2024 and applies to all Town and Country Planning Act (TCPA) applications. Developers are required to demonstrate how BNG will be achieved before planning permission can be granted.
What are the steps to achieving 10% BNG?
The first step we take when working with developers is to determine the biodiversity value of the existing application site (baseline biodiversity value). Our team of ecologists will need to survey the site to record habitat type and condition using industry-accepted methodology. This will determine the existing biodiversity value of the site and will identify if there are habitats of higher value/lower value on site.
In our experience, it is greatly beneficial to undertake a baseline biodiversity assessment early in the RIBA process, whilst the development is within the feasibility / optioneering stage, so the development can be designed to minimise the loss of higher value habitats. By following this process, biodiversity loss can be minimised, and therefore less intervention will be required to achieve the mandatory 10% BNG.
Once the proposed design is complete, the Statutory Biodiversity Metric will be completed by our ecologists to determine the level of net loss / gain of biodiversity on-site. There are generally three outcomes from this:
- The proposed development can achieve 10% BNG on-site through habitat retention and creation/enhancement.
- It is not feasible for 10% BNG to be achieved on-site, therefore habitat enhancement / creation must be attempted off-site. This can be implemented within the developer’s wider land ownership boundary, or on other land under a legal agreement.
- If the developer can prove that achieving 10% BNG on- and off-site is not feasible, biodiversity credits can be purchased to offset biodiversity loss. The number of credits required depends on the type and value of habitat requiring compensation.
Once the approach to achieve 10% BNG has been finalised, a 30-year Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan (HMMP) will be required to demonstrate how the habitat on- / off-site will be created, maintained and monitored to ensure that it achieves the required habitat type and condition. It is a legal requirement for this habitat to be managed in accordance with the plan for 30 years.
It is important to note that BNG does not override other protected habitat and species legislation. Species considerations are to be dealt with first and may inform any necessary pre-requisites for onsite habitat provision.
What are the benefits of Biodiversity Net Gain?
Embracing BNG not only fulfils environmental responsibilities but also yields numerous benefits for clients and society at large. Enhanced biodiversity supports ecosystem services essential for human well-being, such as pollination, water purification, and climate regulation. Moreover, green spaces and thriving ecosystems contribute to aesthetic value, recreational opportunities, and overall quality of life.
Incorporating BNG principles into development projects is paramount for fostering sustainable growth and protecting our planet’s precious natural heritage. By committing to achieve a 10% BNG, clients can contribute to global conservation efforts while reaping the benefits of resilient ecosystems and thriving communities. Through collaboration, innovation, and a dedication to environmental stewardship, we can build a future where development and biodiversity conservation go hand in hand.
How Can EMEC Help?
- EMEC can conduct a Biodiversity Impact Assessment and advise developers how best to achieve their BNG target.
- EMEC can discuss options for increasing post-development biodiversity units through local off-site habitat creation.
- EMEC’s land management team can enhance existing habitats and create new habitats with high biodiversity value.
- EMEC can prepare long-term ecological management and monitoring plans for a site. EMEC’s land management team can deliver on those plans in the long-term and satisfy all long-term management and reporting requirements.
- EMEC can project manage the entire BNG process through its whole service provision.
If you have an upcoming development where you need to seek the advice of an expert team of ecologists, please contact us via 0115 964 4828 or mail@emec-ecology.co.uk.
