Biodiversity Net Gain is a revolutionary approach to development that aims to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than before. As of November 2023, the Environment Act 2021 mandates a minimum 10% biodiversity net gain for most new developments in England. This paradigm shift in planning and development presents both challenges and opportunities for those involved in the built environment sector.
At Enviropass, we're here to guide you through every step of the BNG process, ensuring compliance, maximizing benefits, and streamlining your planning applications.
Expertise: Our team comprises seasoned ecologists, environmental scientists, and planning specialists with in-depth knowledge of BNG requirements and best practices.
Comprehensive Service: We offer end-to-end BNG solutions, from initial assessments to long-term monitoring and reporting.
Innovative Approach: We leverage cutting-edge technology and data analysis to optimize BNG strategies and outcomes.
Proven Track Record: Our portfolio includes successful BNG implementations across diverse project types and scales.
Cost-Effective Solutions: We help you achieve BNG requirements efficiently, minimizing costs while maximizing ecological benefits.
Challenge: A leading electronics manufacturer needed to assess and improve the environmental performance of their new smartphone model.
Enviropass Solution: We conducted a comprehensive LCA of the smartphone, identifying the use phase and raw material extraction as key hotspots. Our team worked with the client to develop strategies for improving energy efficiency and material selection.
Outcome: The manufacturer achieved a 30% reduction in the product's carbon footprint and used the LCA results to support successful marketing claims, leading to increased sales in the eco-conscious consumer segment.
Challenge: A food packaging company wanted to compare the environmental impacts of their new bio-based packaging material with traditional plastic packaging.
Enviropass Solution: We performed a comparative LCA of both packaging types, considering different end-of-life scenarios. Our analysis revealed that while the bio-based packaging had lower impacts in some categories, it performed worse in others due to agricultural inputs.
Outcome: The company used our insights to optimize their bio-based formulation, resulting in a packaging solution that outperformed traditional plastic across all impact categories. This led to successful product launch and adoption by major food brands.
Challenge: A furniture manufacturer needed an EPD for their best-selling office chair to meet customer demands and tender requirements.
Enviropass Solution: We conducted a full LCA of the office chair in line with the relevant PCR and supported the development and verification of the EPD. Additionally, we identified opportunities for reducing the chair's environmental impact through material substitution and improved end-of-life recyclability.
Outcome: The manufacturer successfully published their EPD, leading to increased sales in the commercial sector. They also implemented our recommended improvements, reducing the chair's carbon footprint by 20% in the next product iteration.
BNG became a mandatory requirement for most new developments in England in November 2023, following a two-year transition period after the Environment Act 2021.
Most new developments that require planning permission will need to deliver BNG. There are some exceptions, such as householder applications and some brownfield sites.
While on-site measures are generally preferred, it is possible to achieve BNG entirely through off-site measures if on-site opportunities are limited. However, this approach may require stronger justification during the planning process.
BNG is calculated using the Defra Biodiversity Metric, which assigns biodiversity units to habitats based on their type, condition, and strategic significance.
Failure to deliver the agreed BNG could result in enforcement action by the local planning authority. This underscores the importance of realistic BNG plans and effective implementation.
BNG gains must be maintained for a minimum of 30 years. This requires long-term management plans and secure funding arrangements.
Yes, biodiversity credits can be purchased as a last resort if on-site and local off-site solutions are not feasible. However, this option may be more expensive and less preferable to local planning authorities.
