Green roofs can help developers achieve biodiversity net gain

In early 2024, the UK government introduced biodiversity net gain (BNG) legislation to address the ongoing decline in biodiversity caused by urbanisation, infrastructure development, and other human activities.

BNG is a relative improvement approach that ensures habitats for wildlife are left in a measurably enhanced condition compared to their state before development. Bauder green roofs can help meet these BNG requirements.

The mandatory planning condition obligates developers to ensure that their projects result in a measurable net increase in biodiversity. By doing so, the legislation aims to mitigate the adverse environmental impacts of development, ensuring that the natural habitats and ecosystems are not only protected, but enhanced. The introduction of BNG is consistent with global efforts to stop biodiversity loss and safeguard the natural world for future generations.

A standard biodiversity metric is used to assess the number of units a habitat contains before development, it can then be used to estimate the units needed to replace any habitat loss and achieve a 10% BNG. The value of biodiversity is measured in standardised units assigned based on various habitat factors, including type, size, quality, and location. After development, the assessment is repeated to verify the BNG enhancements.

The landowner is legally obligated to create or enhance the habitat and manage it for a minimum of 30 years to achieve the target condition. Therefore, designers must ensure that the new development meets the required biodiversity units, whilst committing to long-term monitoring and maintenance of the created or enhanced habitats.

Developers can achieve BNG in three ways: