For property developers, biodiversity net gain is an important concept to understand. Biodiversity net gain (BNG) is a measure of how development affects the environment, and it is essential for any project that involves land management. It ensures that the environment is protected and preserved in a way that benefits both nature and humans alike.
Here’s what you need to know about biodiversity net gain.
What Is Biodiversity Net Gain?
Biodiversity net gain (BNG) is a metric used to measure how much land value has been added to nature as a result of a development project or other land management activity.
Specifically, it measures the change in biodiversity before and after the activity. This means assessing the amount of wildlife, flora, and fauna present on a piece of land prior to any intervention, as well as measuring the state of these elements following any changes made by property developers.
Why Is Biodiversity Net Gain Important?
The global and local importance of biodiversity gain cannot be overstated; it helps us better understand our environment and how development projects can successfully protect the natural habitat site while still allowing for necessary changes to take place.
In addition, it allows property developers to create sustainable developments that are more eco-friendly than ever before. Property developers who are committed to creating green spaces benefit from understanding and implementing biodiversity net gain principles into their projects.
What are biodiversity credits for developers?
Property developers have a fantastic opportunity to invest in biodiversity credits as part of their development projects.
With the purchase of credits, developers can support and improve biodiversity on local conservation projects that ensure the long-term protection of local species and ecosystems. By investing in biodiversity credits, they help to offset any impact they may have on these delicate, irreplaceable habitats.
Not only do they help to protect our planet’s precious natural resources, but such an investment can also bring economic and social benefits to developers’ projects and communities. As such, buying into these credits can be a great way for property developers to demonstrate their commitment to environmental protection while creating a positive impact on climate change on their new development.
How Do I Implement Biodiversity Net Gain into my next development project?
Implementing biodiversity net gain starts with understanding your local area’s ecology—what types of plants, animals, insects, and other critters live in your area?
Knowing this information will help determine what types of habitat enhancement should be included in your project design in order to create an eco-friendly space that provides a maximum positive impact on local wildlife.
Additionally, you should consider ways in which you can increase species diversity on site; this could be done by creating new habitats or encouraging existing ones. Lastly, you should look at ways to monitor the success of your efforts; this would involve using technology such as drones or cameras for monitoring purposes so that data can be collected accurately over time.
Biodiversity gain for rural and agricultural landowners looking to develop
Rural landowners and agricultural landowners can now experience the benefits of biodiversity gain as an accessible, new way to invest in the future of their land and make on-site enhancements. With a wide range of options available depending on local circumstances, these landowners can enjoy extra income from natural capital improvement and create a sustainable legacy for their land that will last for generations.
Biodiversity improvements offer the unique possibility to have financial returns and social ones without adverse impacts on the environment and ecological and spiritual rewards that come with placing stewardship at the heart of land management.
It is, therefore, likely to be beneficial for both present-day farmers and those who come after them. Investing in biodiversity gain initiatives is an effective way to protect rural communities from environmental destruction due to climate change while also giving back by nurturing the beautiful ecology of our planet.
Local authorities and biodiversity gain
Biodiversity plays a big role in the health and well-being of our communities, so it’s fantastic to see local planning authorities stepping up to the plate and providing services that help protect and conserve valuable ecosystems. From establishing reserves for native species to educating locals about how they can reduce their environmental footprint, we need to consider the impact of our actions on all aspects of our environment.
From councils’ initiatives licensing schemes, and green waste programs, there is now a multitude of services available at local levels that are helping us Protect nature and protect ourselves.
With more local authority services focusing on biodiversity, not only will our planet benefit – but our whole community will too!
Things to consider as a developer
As a developer, the opportunities to purchase land and create new housing developments can be an incredibly exciting chapter in any entrepreneur’s journey.
Still, it is important to consider how much biodiversity needs to be provided for each development site and plan accordingly. Partnering with ecologists and technical consultants will help developers make sure that their planning submissions meet the Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) criteria. Sustainability has never been more essential, but meeting BNG requirements is proving to be a necessity that could overhaul the supply of viable housing.
Let’s take this chance to make sure we create something amazing!
Does the type of land you choose to develop matter?
It’s undeniable that the type of land chosen for new developments can make a big difference.
The range of biodiversity units may vary quite considerably depending on whether it is agricultural land, brownfield development sites or a more natural setting such as grassland, woodland or shrub. If a developer takes great care to work with the existing landscape and understand its features, then they can create something special that has an overall positive impact.
To create something truly groundbreaking requires an appreciation of what lies beneath the surface and how to nurture this natural environment.
Consider habitat Creation for your development project
Property developers have a crucial role in helping to add biodiversity value and awareness to help protect our natural habitats. To ensure projects are beneficial to the environment, Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments have been implemented.
The assessments allow property developers to identify ways of creating and replacing habitats so that nature can continue to flourish within man-made landscapes. Biodiversity Net Gain assessments are a fantastic step forward in the property development industry, which can then benefit local communities and ecosystems – something we should all be enthusiastic about!
Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects with biodiversity net gain
Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP) play a vital role in the economic and social development of the UK, but they are also increasingly acknowledging their impact on the natural environment.
To protect and enhance our biodiverse habitats and protected species, developers must now be aware of how they can achieve a biodiversity net gain when completing NSIPs. This means creating more habitats or restoring existing ones over and above those that are impacted by the works – meaning a positive outcome will benefit not only people with lower environmental costs but that our wildlife can also benefit too.
By putting this commitment into action, NSIPs have an opportunity to demonstrate sustainability while providing valuable areas of green space in our cities, towns and localities.
Conclusion:
Developers who are looking to create a biodiversity net gain on their projects need to understand what that entails. There are many different factors that go into calculating a net gain, including the type of development, the location, and the size of the project.
Developers also need to consult with local planning authorities and environmental groups to ensure that they are taking all relevant factors into account. Biodiversity net gains can be a complex issue, but by understanding the basics of ecological importance, developers can help make sure that their projects have a positive impact on the environment.
Achieve Biodiversity Net Gain with a biodiversity Assessment on your next permitted development project today!
