As the environmental impact of construction projects continues to gain attention, one key focus area that has come to the forefront is Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). Underpinned by statutory regulation, BNG is now a mandatory requirement for many construction and procurement projects, ensuring that biodiversity is enhanced as part of the development process rather than simply mitigating harm.
In this blog, we’ll break down the understanding of what Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is and its role in construction and procurement projects.
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What is Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)?
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is an approach aimed at ensuring that developments and activities enhance, rather than detract from, the natural environment. BNG requires that projects not only mitigate environmental harm but actively contribute to the restoration and enhancement of biodiversity. The concept is rooted in the recognition that economic development, infrastructure, and urbanisation have had negative impacts on ecosystems, and BNG seeks to address this imbalance.
In the UK, BNG is underpinned by statutory regulation. The Environment Act 2021 introduced a mandatory requirement for BNG in England, making it a legal obligation for developers to deliver biodiversity gains on-site or through off-site measures as part of their development proposals. The legislation specifies that developments must achieve at least a 10% net gain in biodiversity, calculated using a biodiversity metric that measures the value of habitats before and after development.
This regulatory framework reflects the government's commitment to halting biodiversity loss and ensuring that new development contributes positively to environmental sustainability. The statutory nature of BNG means that developers are legally bound to demonstrate and deliver biodiversity improvements, ensuring that environmental considerations are embedded in the planning and development process.
The need for 10% Biodiversity Net Gain in Construction Projects
One of the most significant changes in recent years, particularly in the UK, is the legislative requirement for developers to achieve a 10% biodiversity net gain as part of their project proposals. The principle is embedded in the Environment Act 2021, which stipulates that new development projects must demonstrate a net positive impact on biodiversity. The 10% biodiversity target is a benchmark designed to encourage developers to integrate ecological improvements into their designs and practices, helping reverse the trend of biodiversity loss in urban and rural areas.
Achieving BNG involves assessing the biodiversity value of a site before development and after completion. The difference between these values should be at least 10%, measured using the biodiversity metric that considers various ecological features such as habitat quality and species diversity.
How Construction and Procurement Projects can develop BNG
One of the most effective ways construction and procurement projects can contribute to BNG is by focusing on landscape works that promote biodiversity. For example:
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Hedgerows and Wildlife Corridors: Incorporating hedgerows and wildlife corridors into the landscape design is a great way to enhance biodiversity. These features not only create habitats for wildlife but also provide essential movement routes for species to travel safely between different areas.
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Green Spaces and Wetlands: Creating additional green spaces, such as wetlands, ponds, or community gardens, can also play a significant role in increasing biodiversity. These areas support a wide variety of flora and fauna, contributing to overall ecosystem health.
By prioritising these ecological improvements in the planning and construction stages, developers can not only meet BNG requirements but also contribute to broader environmental goals such as carbon sequestration and water management.
Practical Tips for Considering BNG in Procurement Processes
Incorporating BNG into procurement practices is essential for ensuring the long-term success of a project. Below are some practical steps that organisations can take:
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Work with Suppliers Committed to BNG: Ensure that all suppliers within the supply chain have a commitment to delivering biodiversity improvements. Suppliers should be selected based on their ability to meet BNG criteria, and these expectations should be clearly outlined in procurement contracts.
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Engage Early with Environmental Experts: Early engagement with environmental consultants or ecologists is key to identifying opportunities for biodiversity enhancement. Their expertise can help project teams develop tailored solutions that align with local biodiversity needs.
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Use of Biodiversity Assessment Tools: Integrate biodiversity assessments into the procurement process to better understand the environmental impact of materials and practices. Tools like the biodiversity metric can help assess how well proposed materials and methods align with BNG objectives.
Implementing BNG: Practical Tips for Success
Successfully integrating BNG into your projects requires more than just policy commitment, it’s something you now need to factor from the initial stages of project planning. Here are some practical steps to ensure you are delivering on the BNG promise:
Set Up BNG Specific Training: Ensure your team is well-trained in biodiversity net gain principles. This includes understanding the legal requirements, how to measure biodiversity, and the importance of BNG in procurement. This training should extend to procurement officers, project managers, and suppliers.
Engage Consultants Early: It’s crucial to consult with environmental experts and ecologists early in the project to identify biodiversity opportunities and potential challenges. These experts can help ensure that the development’s design maximizes biodiversity opportunities and meets the 10% target.
Collaboration Between Procurement and Environmental Teams: Encouraging regular collaboration between procurement teams and environmental experts will ensure that biodiversity considerations are integrated from the start. This collaboration can help identify opportunities for biodiversity enhancement and ensure that environmental sustainability is a key component of the procurement process.
Regular Review of KPIs: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for BNG and track progress throughout the project lifecycle. Regular reviews will help ensure that the project stays on track to meet its biodiversity targets, and corrective action can be taken if needed.
Report and Celebrate Success: Keep stakeholders informed by reporting on the biodiversity net gain delivered by your project. This not only helps build transparency but also highlights your commitment to sustainability, enhancing your reputation as an environmentally responsible organization.
Case Studies of BNG in Action
To better understand how Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) can be successfully implemented in construction and procurement, looking at project examples is key.
One Procurement Hub example is the Halifax Bus Station redevelopment project. This project showcases how BNG can be seamlessly integrated into a large scale infrastructure development.
Procured through our Major Project Framework and delivered by partner Willmott Dixon, The Halifax Bus Station redevelopment, which was part of a wider regeneration initiative, prioritised environmental sustainability throughout the construction process.
The project team worked to ensure that biodiversity was a key focus from the planning stage through to completion. By incorporating green infrastructure such as green roofs, tree planting, and the creation of wildlife habitats, the project was able to achieve a significant biodiversity net gain.
The project's success is a testament to how BNG can be achieved through thoughtful planning and the integration of nature into urban spaces. The Halifax Bus Station redevelopment not only met the statutory requirements for BNG but also exceeded them, creating a lasting positive impact on the local environment and enhancing the ecological value of the area.
This case study highlights that BNG isn’t just a box to tick, but a valuable opportunity to develop urban landscapes, providing long term environmental, social, and economic benefits. It serves as a great example of how procurement and construction teams can effectively integrate biodiversity into their projects, ensuring that they contribute positively to both local ecosystems and sustainability goals.
For more details on how the project achieved its biodiversity objectives, you can read the full news article here.
How Procurement Hub can help with Procurement in BNG Projects
Biodiversity Net Gain is no longer a choice. It is a statutory requirement that construction and procurement projects must meet. By focusing on creating habitats, incorporating wildlife corridors, and collaborating with the right suppliers, organisations can ensure they not only meet these legal requirements but also contribute to the restoration and enhancement of biodiversity. With clear strategies, proper training, and regular reviews, implementing BNG can become an integral part of any construction or procurement project, fostering a more sustainable future for everyone.
We can help you to approach biodiversity net gain with confidence and find the right solutions for your project.
Find out more about our Major Projects (MPF2) Framework and how we can help you get your project started.