UKGBC’s Biodiversity and Environmental Net Gain Project has developed a suite of resources and information to enable industry professionals to meet and exceed the minimum standards set out in this legislation and ensure the BNG/ENG strategies that are being used on sites align with the Government Policy changes to support long-term authentic net positive change.

At this in person event, UKGBC and programme partners will showcase the project’s achievements and detail all resources and their intended use. We will also hear from our panel of project experts with a Q&A and interactive activity, followed by networking.

Why attend?

• Better understand Biodiversity Net Gain requirements and what it means for your organisation and projects
• Develop knowledge and confidence to take practical action on Biodiversity Net Gain implementation
• Connect with built environment peers

Who should attend?

This event is open to UKGBC members only. For more information on the benefits of membership, please see this page.

Biodiversity and Environmental Net Gain Project Partners

Our work on Biodiversity Net Gain and Environmental Gain is generously supported by the following organisations.

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While vitally important, these focus more on localised impact, rather than global-scale biodiversity loss. Addressing this global crisis holistically in the built environment will require another, different approach – one that takes into account the embodied ecological impacts.

Similar to embodied carbon, embodied ecological impacts result from the extraction, processing and transportation of materials. But, rather than only looking at carbon emissions, embodied ecological impacts consider the wider impacts through biodiversity loss, land and freshwater use.

This UKGBC project establishes the concept of embodied ecological impacts and aims to raise awareness in our industry about these issues. It focuses on material extraction related to the built environment, gives a high-level overview of some of the ecological impacts that result from that and discusses some potential solutions.

This webinar will present UKGBC’s web-based publication which will be released the same day. You will hear from the UKGBC team behind this work as well as external speakers. There will be the opportunity for you to be able to ask questions and give feedback.

Building on this project, UKGBC will embark on a wider journey addressing nature and biodiversity in relation to the built environment, so stay tuned for more to come.

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Under the UK government’s 25-year Environment Plan, new legislation within England will require all new development to provide a biodiversity uplift of a minimum of 10%, with use of the Defra BNG metric. This legislation is expected to come into force in November 2023, and will need to be considered by all stakeholders in the built environment from designers and architects to financial institutions and property consultants.

UKGBC believes the protection and enhancement of nature is an essential and has therefore formed a cross-industry task group of experts to support the creation of new outputs related to Biodiversity Net Gain. This has so far resulted in the publications of key definitions and factsheets.

In addition to this, UKGBC also has a Solutions & Innovation workstream which seeks to identify and share solutions to common sustainability challenges in the built environment. This has lead to the formation of UKGBC’s Solutions Library and our ever-expanding community of innovative start-up members.

These two teams are collaborating on this webinar to showcase some of the innovative tools available to support built environment practitioners in achieving BNG on projects. A list of these tolls and the agenda will be released nearer the time.

Why attend?

• Understand some of the BNG Tools available that can help support you on projects
• Have the opportunity to ask follow-up questions directly to solution providers
• Learn about BNG and some of the considerations required

Who should attend?

Built environment professionals looking to understand tools available for helping support BNG on projects. You do not need to be an expert on BNG to attend.

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The infographics examine the intrinsic value of nature while demonstrating the impact of the built environment as an industry on the UK’s biodiversity. They also map the links between biodiversity and other socio-economic priorities to tell a broader story about how we should view nature as a foundational element of our economy and society.

The infographics also explain the differences between BNG, which focuses primarily on habitats, and other key concepts like Environmental Net Gain (ENG), which focuses on systems and outcomes, and the Environmental Impact Assessments.

Understanding these concepts and their relative importance for different areas of design and construction in the built environment will enable and encourage businesses to – independently of Government action or legislation – implement solutions that enrich the natural world in early design and strategy stages.

Our infographics are designed to remind people that while 10% Biodiversity Net Gain is an important legal requirement from November, we should view this as the minimum contribution in one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world.

“There are so many ways that businesses can adopt and thrive by implementing BNG, but also push beyond it with creative investments that unlock new potential for themselves, their communities, and society as a whole.”

Kerri McCarton, Project Coordinator for Resilience & Nature at UKGBC

Biodiversity/ Environmental Net Gain

Embracing and adding to biodiversity on site is vital as we work to reverse the biodiversity crisis.

View more

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As part of UKGBC’s ongoing project on Biodiversity Net Gain, these infographics examine the intrinsic value of nature while demonstrating the impact of the built environment as an industry on the UK’s biodiversity. They also map the links between biodiversity and other socio-economic priorities to tell a broader story about how we should view nature as a foundational element of our economy and society.

The infographics also explain the differences between BNG, which focuses primarily on habitats, and other key concepts like Environmental Net Gain (ENG), which focuses on systems and outcomes, and the Environmental Impact Assessments.

Understanding these concepts and their relative importance for different areas of design and construction in the built environment will enable and encourage businesses to – independently of Government action or legislation – implement solutions that enrich the natural world in early design and strategy stages.

Nature Programme Partners

With thanks to our programme partners who make our work on nature possible.

Biodiversity and Environmental Net Gain Project Partners

Our work on Biodiversity Net Gain and Environmental Gain is generously supported by the following organisations.

Biodiversity/ Environmental Net Gain

Embracing and adding to biodiversity on site is vital as we work to reverse the biodiversity crisis.

View more

The post Biodiversity Net Gain Infographics appeared first on UKGBC.

Building on The Value of Urban Nature-Based Solutions report released last year, this project will provide built environment stakeholders with the opportunity to work through some of challenges and solutions of implementing nature-based solutions in an urban context.

Acknowledging that many practitioners are facing similar challenges, the NBS Labs are a place for learning and peer-to-peer knowledge exchange, specifically around maintenance and stewardship, as well as existing buildings and retrofit. You will be able to share your learnings and challenges as well as learn from others who are facing similar issues. In addition, a programme of external speakers who are experts on the topic will offer insights into the state of the art and best practice of urban nature-based solutions. Key findings and insights from these sessions will be shared in a summary output.

Currently, UKGBC has opened applications for both general participants and project partnership.

To facilitate this series of workshops, UKGBC is opening the opportunity for several member organisations to be involved as key Project Partners. This is a level of commitment above a standard participant and comes with a host of benefits. In addition to attendance to all sessions, partners will be credited with enabling the project, get priority access to all speaking opportunities related to the project and will take a steering role, helping to shape any associated outputs, alongside other benefits. It’s a role best suited for UKGBC members with experience and understanding of implementing Nature Based Solutions.

To learn more about the NBS Labs & Project Partnership and apply for either role, download the Call for Applications below.

Project Partnership is open to UKGBC members only. Learn more about what it means to be a member and the opportunities it provides you here.

Applications close on the 8^th September. If you have any enquiries about the project, please email kai.liebetanz@ukgbc.org.

Nature Programme Partners

With thanks to our programme partners who make our work on nature possible.

Nature

Nature is in crisis.  The built environment has a critical role to play in protecting and restoring nature and moving to a regenerative model of development.

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This page presents data, evidence, and solutions that are provided by our partners and members and should therefore not be attributed to UKGBC. While we showcase these solutions for inspiration, to build consensus, and create momentum for climate action, UKGBC does not offer commercial endorsement of individual solutions. If you would like to quote something from this page, or more information, please contact our Communications team at media@ukgbc.org.

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Biodiversity Net Gain Definitions

Access our list of almost 30 definitions on key topics that will help you navigate biodiversity net gain with more confidence.

Explore here

Biodiversity/ Environmental Net Gain

Embracing and adding to biodiversity on site is vital as we work to reverse the biodiversity crisis.

View more

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The new Biodiversity Net Gain requirements set out in the Government’s Environment Act present huge opportunities for the built environment to restore nature and build more regenerative towns and cities. Yet many organisations need more specific and practical support to build their understanding of the complex concepts involved. 

To make Biodiversity Net Gain as accessible as possible to organisations across the UK’s built environment, UKGBC has published a series of user-friendly factsheets and definitions that explain the key concepts.  

This is the first in a wider series of resources designed to help organisations meet – and where possible, go beyond – Biodiversity Net Gain, developed with support and advice from Defra and Natural England. The factsheets are designed to demystify key themes and strategies; and signpost to key resources and support that will support the delivery of BNG.  

BNG has the potential to transform how the UK’s built environment can play its part in restoring and regenerating nature and tackling the global ecological crisis.   

“As well as enriching the natural world on which we all depend, we know that nature-positive solutions can build more resilient environments, tackle the climate crisis, and improve people’s lives, health, and wellbeing. These assets are an important step towards UKGBC’s mission of ensuring that BNG can be adopted by as many organisations as possible, as quickly as possible.” 

Hannah Giddings, Senior Advisor for Resilience and Nature

The factsheets published by UKGBC also explain the broader concept of Environmental Net Gain which, though not enshrined in legislation, remains a powerful strategy for organisations in the built environment to maximise the wide social benefits of nature-positive strategies that can tackle the climate and ecological crises.   

The factsheets are available here while the definitions can be viewed here.

Resilience & Nature Partners

Our nature work is supported by our Resilience & Nature Partners.

Biodiversity and Environmental Net Gain Project Partners

Our work on Biodiversity Net Gain and Environmental Gain is generously supported by the following organisations.

The post UKGBC launches new guidance to empower the built environment to deliver Biodiversity Net Gain appeared first on UKGBC.

This is the first in a wider series of resources designed to help organisations meet – and where possible, go beyond – Biodiversity Net Gain, developed with support and advice from Defra and Natural England. The factsheets are designed to demystify key themes and strategies; and signpost to key resources and support that will support the delivery of BNG.  

Biodiversity Net Gain Definitions

Explore key definitions related to Biodiversity Net Gain and Environmental Net Gain.

Explore

Resilience & Nature Partners

Our nature work is supported by our Resilience & Nature Partners.

Biodiversity and Environmental Net Gain Project Partners

Our work on Biodiversity Net Gain and Environmental Gain is generously supported by the following organisations.

The post Biodiversity Net Gain Factsheets appeared first on UKGBC.