Experts in Biodiversity Net Gain Solutions.
Helping landowners, developers, architects and homeowners to meet Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) legislation quickly & with ease!
Mandatory since February 2024, Biodiversity net gain (BNG) is a way of creating and improving natural habitats. We've broken down all the complex steps into three simple phases, so our clients meet BNG legislation quickly.
Phase one
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA)
A PEA is the first stage in assessing a site’s biodiversity value and is usually carried out as early as possible in the planning process.
The purpose of a PEA is to: Identify any potential for; ecological constraints, the need for further ecological surveys, any mitigation measures, and opportunities for ecological enhancement. As well as gaining a baseline for BNG.
Phase two
Biodiversity Net Gain Metric (BNG)
The statutory biodiversity metric is used to calculate biodiversity units and is made up of three modules: Area habitat units, Hedgerow units, and Watercourse units. The value of a habitat is determined by a number of factors, including: The habitat’s size, The habitat’s distinctiveness, The condition and quality of the habitat and The connectivity of the site to other areas.
Phase three
Biodiversity Net Gain Plans & HMMP
A biodiversity gain plan alongside a Habitat management and monitoring plan (HMMP) are documents that show how you will achieve biodiversity net gain (BNG). Both are detailed plans that outline how land will be managed over a period of at least 30 years. The plan helps to create and enhance habitats and to manage and monitor biodiversity net gain outcomes.
We do more than just BNG!
Our highly experienced, qualified, and licensed ecologists offer a full suite of ecology consultancy solutions.
Protected Species Surveys & Licensing
Protected Species Surveys are usually required when impacts to one or more legally protected species is considered likely and presence or likely absence needs to be determined.
Our fully licenced and qualified ecologists undertake all protected species surveys and EPSL licencing.
Arboricultural and tree surveys
Protected Species Surveys are usually required when impacts to one or more legally protected species is considered likely and presence or likely absence needs to be determined.
Our fully licenced and qualified ecologists undertake all protected species surveys and EPSL licencing.
Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW)
Protected Species Surveys are usually required when impacts to one or more legally protected species is considered likely and presence or likely absence needs to be determined.
Our fully licenced and qualified ecologists undertake all protected species surveys and EPSL licencing.
Understanding Biodiversity Net Gain:
Your Complete Guide to BNG Metrics,
Plans, Legislations and Planning Success
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is a critical and evolving concept in environmental conservation and development planning, particularly in the United Kingdom. With increasing environmental challenges, BNG policies seek to improve biodiversity rather than merely mitigate harm. This guide provides a comprehensive exploration of BNG, its principles, legislation, and processes.
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) represents a significant shift in how development and conservation can coexist, promoting a future where growth leaves positive ecological impacts rather than merely mitigating harm. With its foundation in the UK’s Environment Act 2021, BNG requires that developments do more than limit environmental damage; they must contribute a measurable improvement in biodiversity, supporting the health, diversity, and resilience of ecosystems.
BNG’s multi-dimensional approach is comprehensive, blending environmental, social, and economic benefits. Environmentally, BNG enhances ecosystem resilience by restoring habitats, supporting species diversity, and improving climate adaptability through natural solutions such as flood management and carbon sequestration. Socially, it enhances public health, mental well-being, and community cohesion by creating accessible green spaces and educational opportunities. Economically, it increases property values, attracts sustainable investments, and contributes to long-term savings in environmental management.
Implementing BNG may present challenges, such as upfront costs and complex planning, yet the long-term benefits outweigh these hurdles. Developers and communities alike benefit from improved reputations, stronger local support, and compliance with evolving environmental standards. By fostering collaboration between planners, conservationists, businesses, and communities, BNG is helping to shape a development process that is not only profitable but also deeply sustainable.
As global environmental challenges grow, BNG is setting a precedent that could inspire similar policies worldwide, highlighting that economic growth and biodiversity conservation are not mutually exclusive but can be achieved together. Through careful planning, ongoing management, and a commitment to ecological stewardship, BNG offers a path toward a healthier planet where development supports and enriches the natural world. By embracing BNG principles, we move closer to a future where the environment is left in a better state for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About BNG
What Types of Developments Require Biodiversity Net Gain?
Under the UK’s Environment Act 2021, most major developments are legally required to deliver a minimum 10% Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). This includes:
- Residential developments: Housing projects involving new construction, especially larger-scale residential areas, are required to achieve net gains.
- Commercial and industrial developments: Business parks, industrial estates, warehouses, and other commercial developments also fall under BNG requirements.
- Infrastructure projects: Major roadworks, rail projects, and other large infrastructure developments are often required to consider BNG impacts.
Some smaller-scale projects and developments on previously developed land, known as “brownfield sites,” may be exempt or subject to different rules depending on the extent of their environmental impact. The specifics can vary by local authority, so it’s advisable for developers to consult with local planning authorities to determine BNG requirements for smaller or less impactful projects.
How Is BNG Measured?
The Biodiversity Metric 4.0, developed by Natural England, is the main tool used in the UK to calculate BNG. This metric quantifies the biodiversity value of a site both before and after development, allowing for a clear comparison. The calculation considers three primary factors:
- Habitat Distinctiveness: This refers to how rare or unique a habitat is. More distinctive habitats are assigned a higher value.
- Habitat Condition: The ecological health and quality of the habitat (e.g., pristine, good, or degraded).
- Habitat Area or Size: The physical area of the habitat, measured in hectares.
Developers are required to provide baseline biodiversity scores based on these factors and propose post-development scores that reflect at least a 10% increase. This ensures biodiversity gains are measurable and verifiable throughout the project.
How Does BNG Affect Project Costs?
Implementing BNG does require upfront costs, including:
- Baseline Assessments: Professional ecologists are often hired to assess a site’s biodiversity before development, which can be costly depending on the site’s size and ecological complexity.
- Habitat Creation or Enhancement: Developing new habitats, such as woodlands, wetlands, or meadows, requires significant planning, resources, and time.
- Long-Term Maintenance: Since BNG often requires a 30-year commitment, ongoing costs related to habitat upkeep, ecological monitoring, and management are necessary.
However, these costs can be offset by the long-term benefits of BNG, such as community support, quicker planning permissions, and increased property or land value.
Can Offsetting Be Used to Achieve BNG Requirements?
Yes, offsetting is an option under BNG, but it is typically regarded as a last-resort measure after all efforts to avoid, minimize, and mitigate on-site impacts have been exhausted. Offsetting allows developers to deliver biodiversity gains by creating or enhancing habitats at a different location if it’s not feasible to achieve BNG on-site. Key considerations include:
- Location and Habitat Type: Off-site gains should ideally replicate the type of habitat lost on the development site and be located within a reasonable distance to maximize ecological benefit.
- Quality and Long-Term Management: Off-site habitats must be of sufficient quality and must be maintained for at least 30 years to ensure lasting biodiversity benefits.
Many local authorities are encouraging developers to prioritize on-site enhancements or nearby offsets, ensuring local biodiversity improvements.
How Long Must BNG Commitments Be Maintained?
BNG commitments typically require maintenance for a minimum of 30 years. This extended duration ensures that the biodiversity gains achieved are not temporary but contribute to long-term ecological health and resilience. During this period, developers are responsible for maintaining the habitat in accordance with their approved biodiversity gain plan, which includes:
- Ongoing Habitat Management: Ensuring habitats are cared for and maintained to support target biodiversity outcomes.
- Monitoring and Reporting: Regular ecological monitoring and reporting are required to demonstrate compliance and effectiveness over time.
Some developers choose to work with conservation organizations or local authorities to manage these areas, ensuring expertise in habitat upkeep and biodiversity support.
What Are the Penalties for Not Achieving BNG?
Failure to meet BNG requirements may result in:
- Project Delays: Planning permission may be withheld until BNG objectives are met.
- Legal Enforcement: Local planning authorities can enforce BNG commitments through legal mechanisms, potentially mandating further environmental compensation or imposing fines.
To avoid these consequences, developers are encouraged to work closely with environmental consultants, ecologists, and local planning authorities to ensure compliance and avoid potential setbacks.
What Role Do Local Authorities Play in Enforcing BNG?
Local authorities are responsible for overseeing BNG requirements within their jurisdiction. This includes:
- Assessing Biodiversity Gain Plans: Local authorities review and approve developers’ biodiversity gain plans to ensure they meet the 10% net gain requirement and are feasible within the site’s ecological context.
- Monitoring Compliance: After planning permission is granted, local authorities conduct regular assessments to ensure BNG commitments are upheld.
- Enforcing Penalties: If BNG commitments are not met, authorities may delay project progress or impose penalties, ensuring compliance with legislation.
Local authorities are also instrumental in establishing guidelines for biodiversity offsets and encouraging developers to prioritize local gains where possible.
What Happens if a Developer Fails to Maintain the BNG Commitments?
If a developer does not maintain the BNG commitments, several actions may be taken:
- Legal Penalties: Authorities may impose fines or penalties, particularly if the developer fails to adhere to maintenance and reporting obligations.
- Compensatory Requirements: In some cases, developers may be required to fund additional environmental initiatives or offsets as compensation.
- Community-Based Accountability: Local communities and environmental organizations may hold developers accountable through public awareness and advocacy, encouraging compliance through social accountability.
To avoid these outcomes, developers are encouraged to build strong partnerships with environmental consultants, local conservation groups, and the community for sustainable, well-managed outcomes.
What Are the Benefits of BNG for Developers?
For developers, BNG offers a variety of benefits:
- Enhanced Project Reputation: By delivering net biodiversity gains, developers can improve their public image, often securing greater community and stakeholder support for projects.
- Faster Planning Approvals: Meeting or exceeding BNG requirements can smooth the planning approval process, reducing project delays.
- Increased Property Value: Properties near green spaces or with natural areas integrated into their design often have higher market values and appeal to buyers or tenants who prioritize environmental sustainability.
Additionally, BNG-compliant projects are often seen as forward-thinking and resilient, contributing to future-proofing developments in an increasingly sustainability-conscious market.
How Does BNG Benefit Local Communities?
BNG provides local communities with several benefits:
- Enhanced Green Spaces: Improved and newly created habitats provide accessible green spaces for recreation, mental well-being, and social interaction.
- Educational Opportunities: Local schools, universities, and community groups often benefit from enhanced biodiversity as they can use the spaces for environmental education and awareness.
- Improved Resilience to Climate Change: Enhanced biodiversity contributes to ecosystem resilience, reducing flood risks and improving air and water quality, directly impacting community health and safety.
Communities often actively support BNG-compliant projects, leading to a more harmonious development process and improved outcomes for both developers and residents.
Is BNG a Requirement in Other Countries?
While BNG is mandatory in the UK, several other countries are exploring similar biodiversity-focused planning requirements, though they may not yet be mandatory. For instance:
- Australia and Canada have voluntary or localized biodiversity offsetting programs that promote net gain outcomes in certain jurisdictions.
- New Zealand implements no net loss requirements in some areas, focusing on maintaining current biodiversity levels but without the explicit gain mandated by the UK’s BNG policy.
- European Union countries are considering net gain policies as part of broader climate and biodiversity strategies, though these are not yet widely implemented.
BNG’s success in the UK may inspire more widespread adoption globally, especially as countries seek sustainable development solutions.
What is Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)?
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is an approach to development that leaves biodiversity in a measurably better state than before. It involves assessing the ecological value of an area before development, then ensuring post-development outcomes improve biodiversity quantitatively and qualitatively.
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is a forward-thinking, conservation-centered approach to development that seeks to leave the natural environment in a better state than before a development project begins. Unlike traditional mitigation approaches, which often focus solely on reducing the negative impacts of development, BNG actively aims for measurable improvements to biodiversity, creating an environment that supports greater ecological diversity and resilience.
BNG is guided by core principles, including avoiding harm where possible, minimising and mitigating unavoidable impacts, and implementing strategies that lead to a net gain in biodiversity. This systematic approach acknowledges the interdependence between ecological health, social well-being, and economic sustainability, positioning BNG as an integral component of responsible development.
Defining Biodiversity in the Context of BNG
Biodiversity refers to the diversity of life on Earth, encompassing all species of plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms, along with the ecosystems they form. High biodiversity contributes to ecosystem stability and resilience, supporting functions like pollination, water filtration, carbon storage, and nutrient cycling. Loss of biodiversity, often due to human activities, weakens ecosystems, making them more susceptible to disruptions like climate change and reducing the resources available to society.
BNG’s Approach to Enhancing Biodiversity
BNG seeks to go beyond simply protecting existing biodiversity by enhancing it in meaningful ways. This can include:
- Creating New Habitats: Establishing green spaces, wetlands, woodlands, or grasslands to support diverse species and improve ecosystem services.
- Enhancing Existing Habitats: Restoring degraded habitats to improve their ecological value and their capacity to support varied species.
- Mitigating and Offsetting Losses: While avoiding harm is the priority, some impacts may be unavoidable. In these cases, BNG encourages off-site habitat creation or enhancement as compensation.
Key Principles of Biodiversity Net Gain
The practice of BNG is guided by specific principles to ensure that it genuinely benefits biodiversity and aligns with sustainable development goals. The widely accepted principles of BNG include:
- Avoidance: Prioritise avoiding negative impacts on biodiversity wherever possible. For example, selecting alternative sites or design adjustments can prevent damage to critical habitats or protected species.
- Minimisation: Minimise unavoidable impacts through smart planning and design. This can include reducing the area impacted by construction, timing activities to avoid sensitive periods (e.g., breeding seasons), and designing structures that allow for wildlife movement.
- Mitigation: Implement on-site habitat enhancement, protection, or restoration to counterbalance any adverse effects that do occur.
- Offsetting: As a last resort, off-site offsets may be applied to meet net gain requirements. Offsetting involves creating or enhancing habitats in other locations to compensate for losses at the development site, ensuring that the ecological balance is maintained or improved.
- Sustainable Management: Long-term management and monitoring of BNG initiatives are essential to ensure that biodiversity gains are sustained over time. Most BNG strategies require a 30-year commitment to maintaining the ecological benefits achieved.
- Transparency and Measurability: All BNG initiatives should be transparent, documented, and measurable. Tools like the Biodiversity Metric 4.0, created by Natural England, are used to assess and quantify gains, allowing clear monitoring and verification of outcomes.
Types of Biodiversity Gains
Biodiversity gains can be achieved through several approaches, each with specific outcomes that enhance or create ecosystems. Some common types of biodiversity gains include:
- Habitat Creation: This involves establishing new habitats that contribute to biodiversity. Examples include creating ponds, wetlands, wildflower meadows, or forested areas on the development site.
- Habitat Enhancement: Improving the condition and biodiversity value of existing habitats. For instance, enhancing a degraded grassland by reintroducing native plant species and removing invasive species.
- Habitat Protection and Connectivity: Protecting existing habitats, such as woodlands or riparian zones, and improving connectivity between ecosystems allows species to move freely and increases resilience to environmental pressures.
BNG’s Role in Sustainable Development
BNG aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on environmental sustainability, climate action, and health and well-being. By integrating BNG into planning processes, governments and developers can ensure that growth contributes to broader sustainability objectives, supporting healthier ecosystems and communities.
BNG also underpins economic benefits by creating ecosystems that provide essential resources and services. Natural areas that result from BNG initiatives, such as parks and greenways, improve public health and attract tourism, contributing to local economies. Moreover, BNG-compliant projects often enjoy stronger community support due to the positive environmental impacts they bring, enhancing project viability and public relations.
Challenges and Limitations of Biodiversity Net Gain
While BNG is a promising framework for improving biodiversity, it faces several challenges:
- Implementation Costs: BNG initiatives can be costly due to initial assessments, habitat creation, and long-term maintenance requirements.
- Land Availability: In densely populated or heavily industrialised areas, finding space for biodiversity enhancements can be difficult.
- Offsetting Risks: If not properly managed, offsetting can lead to “paper gains” that don’t translate to actual ecological improvements. For example, creating a new wetland off-site may not provide the same ecological value as the one impacted by development.
BNG policies are continually evolving to address these challenges, with increasing emphasis on transparency, regulation, and scientifically rigorous assessments to ensure that BNG commitments lead to real, lasting benefits for biodiversity.
Importance of BNG in Modern Development
The primary goals of BNG are:
- Preservation of biodiversity: Combat biodiversity loss through proactive planning.
- Sustainable development: Ensure that development projects support long-term environmental sustainability.
- Public health and well-being: Enhanced natural areas contribute to physical and mental health.
The Legislation Supporting Biodiversity Net Gain
The Environment Act 2021
The UK’s Environment Act 2021 mandates that all developments provide a net gain in biodiversity. Key requirements include:
- Mandatory 10% biodiversity gain: Projects must achieve at least a 10% increase in biodiversity from pre-development levels.
- 30-year maintenance period: Biodiversity gains must be maintained for at least 30 years post-development.
- Baseline assessment: Developers must conduct a baseline biodiversity assessment of the site.
- Biodiversity gain plans: These plans outline how the proposed project will meet BNG requirements.
Biodiversity Metric 4.0
To standardise biodiversity assessments and the Natural England developed Biodiversity Metric 4.0, are tools that quantifies the ecological value of habitats, allowing developers to calculate baseline biodiversity and predict outcomes. Metrics consider:
- Habitat condition
- Distinctiveness
- Connectivity
BNG Planning Permission Process
Step 1: Baseline Biodiversity Assessment
The first step in achieving BNG is conducting a baseline biodiversity assessment. This involves:
- On-site surveys: Ecologists analyse existing habitats, species, and ecosystems. We do this via a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal.
- Quantification using Biodiversity Metric 4.0: This generates a baseline score reflecting the current biodiversity value of the land.
Step 2: BNG Feasibility and Habitat Assessment
Developers must assess the feasibility of biodiversity improvements, considering:
- Habitat creation: Introducing new habitats to enhance biodiversity.
- Habitat enhancement: Improving existing habitats to boost their ecological value.
Step 3: Designing a BNG Strategy
A BNG Strategy outlines how a project will meet BNG requirements and includes:
- Habitat replacement and enhancements
- Buffer zones to protect sensitive ecosystems
- Offsetting measures if on-site improvements are limited
Step 4: Biodiversity Gain Plan Submission
A Biodiversity Gain Plan (BGP) is a formal document that developers must submit, detailing how BNG objectives will be achieved, including:
- Detailed site plans showing improvements
- Long-term management plans for ongoing biodiversity maintenance
Step 5: Implementation and Monitoring
Once planning permission is granted, the project enters implementation and monitoring phases to ensure biodiversity targets are met over the required 30 years. Regular reporting to the local authority is required to document progress.
Long-Term Benefits of Biodiversity Net Gain
BNG’s core principle is to ensure that developments lead to a measurable improvement in biodiversity, leaving the environment in a better state than before. While BNG requires upfront planning and financial commitment, the long-term benefits of this approach are substantial and far-reaching, impacting ecosystems, communities, and economies in enduring ways. Here’s how BNG contributes to a sustainable future across multiple dimensions.
1. Enhanced Ecosystem Resilience and Health
BNG strengthens ecosystems by increasing biodiversity, which makes ecosystems more resilient to disturbances such as extreme weather, diseases, and invasive species. Healthy, diverse ecosystems are better equipped to absorb shocks and adapt to change, ensuring continued provision of essential ecosystem services. This resilience is increasingly vital in the face of climate change and environmental degradation.
- Increased Species Diversity: Diverse ecosystems with a range of plant and animal species are more resilient, as species diversity contributes to stable food webs, effective pollination, and soil regeneration.
- Natural Flood Mitigation: Restored and newly created habitats, such as wetlands and riparian buffers, can absorb excess rainwater, reducing the likelihood and severity of flooding in nearby areas.
- Carbon Sequestration: Forests, grasslands, and wetlands sequester carbon, playing a role in mitigating climate change. BNG projects that incorporate these habitats help capture and store carbon over decades, supporting climate resilience.
2. Improved Public Health and Well-being
Natural environments significantly contribute to human health and well-being, offering both physical and mental health benefits. Access to green spaces has been linked to lower rates of stress, anxiety, and depression, while encouraging physical activity, community engagement, and relaxation.
- Mental Health Benefits: Studies show that spending time in nature reduces cortisol levels and alleviates symptoms of anxiety and depression. BNG projects that incorporate green spaces within or near communities offer easily accessible natural areas for residents.
- Physical Health: Natural environments encourage walking, cycling, and other outdoor activities, which are crucial for physical health. BNG projects create parks, trails, and greenways that promote active lifestyles.
- Improved Air Quality: Trees and vegetation in BNG sites can help filter pollutants from the air, resulting in cleaner, healthier environments. Cleaner air reduces respiratory issues, benefiting community health over the long term.
3. Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
BNG plays a dual role in addressing climate change by contributing to both mitigation and adaptation strategies. It mitigates climate change by enhancing carbon-storing ecosystems and helps communities adapt to climate-related challenges by creating resilient landscapes.
- Carbon Storage and Sequestration: Forests, grasslands, and wetlands serve as carbon sinks, capturing and storing carbon dioxide. BNG projects that restore or create these habitats make substantial contributions to carbon sequestration, helping offset emissions from development activities.
- Temperature Regulation: Trees and vegetation in green spaces reduce the urban heat island effect by providing shade and lowering surrounding temperatures. This cooling effect can be especially valuable in urban areas that experience extreme summer heat, helping residents cope with rising temperatures.
- Flood and Drought Resilience: Restored wetlands and floodplains absorb and store water, reducing the risk of both flooding during heavy rains and drought during dry spells. This water regulation function is increasingly important as climate change intensifies weather patterns.
4. Economic Benefits and Value Addition
BNG projects contribute to economic sustainability by enhancing property values, reducing long-term environmental management costs, and attracting investments that prioritise sustainability. The economic benefits of BNG can be seen in multiple ways:
- Increased Property Value: Properties near well-maintained natural areas tend to have higher market values, as buyers are increasingly interested in environmentally friendly developments with access to green spaces.
- Reduced Maintenance Costs: Natural flood management, improved air quality, and biodiversity-driven pest control reduce the need for costly engineered solutions or chemical treatments, lowering operational costs for local governments and landowners.
- Tourism and Recreation: Areas with significant biodiversity and scenic value attract tourists and recreational activities, contributing to local economies. Bird-watching, hiking, and ecotourism are popular in biodiversity-rich areas and support businesses ranging from hospitality to retail.
5. Enhanced Community Engagement and Educational Opportunities
BNG projects create opportunities for communities to learn about and connect with the natural world. By fostering a sense of ownership and stewardship, BNG helps create communities that are more committed to environmental conservation.
- Community Involvement: Many BNG projects involve community input and collaboration, building a sense of shared responsibility and encouraging local participation in habitat preservation and enhancement.
- Educational Resources: Schools, universities, and conservation organisations can use BNG-enhanced sites as outdoor classrooms, providing educational experiences that promote awareness of biodiversity and environmental issues.
- Cultural and Social Value: Accessible green spaces enhance social cohesion by providing places for people to gather, socialise, and enjoy cultural activities. This can foster a greater appreciation for the environment and support long-term conservation efforts.
6. Positive Corporate and Developer Reputation
Companies and developers that prioritise biodiversity conservation benefit from a stronger reputation, both with consumers and within the industry. BNG requirements are helping to shift corporate practices towards sustainability and environmentally responsible development.
- Investor Attraction: Environmentally responsible companies increasingly attract investors who prioritise sustainable and socially responsible practices. Meeting BNG requirements demonstrates a commitment to environmental stewardship.
- Consumer and Community Trust: Projects that respect and enhance biodiversity can build trust with the public, reducing opposition to development and enhancing goodwill with local communities and environmental organisations.
- Regulatory Readiness: As regulatory trends continue to shift towards sustainability, developers who adopt BNG principles will be better prepared for future requirements, reducing compliance costs and mitigating risks associated with changing regulations.
7. Enhanced Biodiversity and Conservation Outcomes
The most direct and essential benefit of BNG is the measurable increase in biodiversity, which supports a more stable and healthy environment for future generations. By actively restoring, enhancing, and creating habitats, BNG initiatives can help slow or even reverse biodiversity loss.
- Protection of Endangered Species: Many BNG projects aim to restore habitats that support vulnerable or endangered species, helping to safeguard biodiversity at the genetic, species, and ecosystem levels.
- Increased Habitat Connectivity: BNG projects often focus on creating “wildlife corridors” or linking fragmented habitats, allowing species to migrate, adapt, and survive across landscapes. Habitat connectivity is crucial for genetic diversity and ecosystem resilience.
- Conservation Legacy: BNG creates long-term ecological assets that continue to benefit biodiversity for decades. The 30-year commitment often required for BNG ensures that the positive impacts on biodiversity extend well beyond the initial development phase.
The long-term benefits of Biodiversity Net Gain extend across ecological, social, and economic dimensions, fostering resilient ecosystems, healthier communities, and a stronger economy. By mandating that developments contribute to biodiversity rather than merely minimise harm, BNG represents a progressive shift toward sustainable development practices. Its enduring impacts benefit not only the environment but also future generations, positioning BNG as an essential component of responsible, forward-looking development.
These long-term advantages showcase the value of BNG for developers, communities, and the planet, encouraging broad support for biodiversity conservation as an integral aspect of sustainable development.
