Navigating Biodiversity Net Gain and Carbon Footprint Compliance
Biodiversity Net Gain: the compliance challenge
BNG is now a mandatory requirement in England, requiring a 10% net gain in biodiversity post-development. While BNG assessments aid UK biodiversity conservation efforts, many in the industry face tight timelines and the need for ecological sign-off in order to secure planning permission.
How to meet BNG requirements:
• Baseline Habitat Survey: Assessing habitat types to establish a baseline biodiversity measurement.
• Biodiversity Hierarchy Analysis: Using the baseline survey to identify hedgerows, habitats and watercourses that can be saved and/or enhanced for conservation and enhancement strategies.
• Implementation: Developing custom BNG plans, including habitat restoration and sustainable land management.
• Ecologist Approval: Receiving approval from a qualified ecologist to achieve sign-off from the local council and gain planning permission.
Case study: Leicester College Abbey Park Campus
Moss Architecture Interiors Ltd required proof of a 10% biodiversity increase for a new training facility’s planning application. Tunley Environmental conducted an independent small site BNG assessment, incorporating a rain garden, native tree planting, and a neutral grassland mix into the design plans.
The project achieved a 21.11% increase in biodiversity units for area habitats and a 16.85% increase for hedgerows, far exceeding the required 10% and ensuring planning approval.
With expert-led assessments, architects can streamline compliance and incorporate sustainability from the ground up.
Click below to read the full article