Since January 2024, major developments in England must deliver a minimum 10% biodiversity net gain (BNG) as a condition of planning permission. This landmark requirement — the first mandatory BNG policy globally — fundamentally changes how developers approach ecological impact.
BNG is measured using the statutory biodiversity metric, which quantifies habitat value based on type, condition, strategic significance, and connectivity. Developers must demonstrate that their project leaves biodiversity in a measurably better state than the pre-development baseline, maintained for at least 30 years.
Options for delivering BNG include: on-site habitat creation and enhancement, off-site habitat delivery on land controlled by the developer, and purchase of biodiversity credits from a national scheme. The priority hierarchy favours on-site delivery, with credits as a last resort.
RSustain’s UK practice helps developers navigate BNG requirements: conducting baseline habitat surveys, modelling metric calculations, designing habitat creation plans, and securing planning condition compliance. Our ecological assessment capability complements our broader EIA and environmental engineering services.
Biodiversity net gain represents a shift from “minimise harm” to “deliver improvement.” Other jurisdictions are watching England’s experience closely. Companies that develop BNG capability now will be prepared for similar requirements elsewhere.