BNG regulations require developers to achieve a 10% biodiversity net gain. To track this goal, you need to record the BNG metrics for both before a project takes place and after it has been completed. The first value will help inform your BNG plan, while the second will show how successful you’ve been in implementing it – along with how much more you may still need to do.
Under the UK Environment Act, any developments that require a biodiversity net gain need to submit a BNG plan to a planning authority, which then must be approved before work can proceed. This plan will include the details for the site itself, alongside any plans for off-site nature recovery.
Some developers plan to meet their requirements by setting aside land on their site for new habitat creation. However, this isn’t always achievable by using on-site space. In these cases, developers need to find and enhance offsite habitats to meet their BNG requirements.
If a developer continues to fall short of their required BNG, it is possible to purchase statutory credits. These credits are a last resort to acquire the biodiversity units needed to achieve an overall net gain. This solution should only be used in situations where all other avenues have been reviewed and are not an advised route for fulfilling your requirements.