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How can hotel developers prepare for Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)?


What is Biodiversity and why is key for hotels?

Biodiversity is encompassing the variety of species, ecosystems, and genetic diversity. For hotels, embracing biodiversity is not just a conservation effort but a strategic move ensure destination wellbeing and responsible tourism. Hotels contributing to biodiversity conservation reinforce positive environmental practices. Ultimately, the integration of biodiversity into hotel operations not only enhances the overall guest experience but also positions the asset a responsible steward of the environment.


What is Biodiversity Net Gain?

Biodiversity net gain is an ambitious UK government strategy to make sure that habitat for wildlife is in a better state than it was before development. Defra* confirmed that BNG for major developments goes live on 12 February 2024.


*Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs





Biodiversity Net Gain is a bold initiative by the UK government aimed at ensuring that wildlife habitats are in a better condition after development than they were before.


  • BNG mandates developers to provide a minimum of 10% of the biodiversity value present on the site before development. This can be achieved through on-site or off-site habitat creation or, as a last resort, by purchasing statutory biodiversity credits. The development should result in a higher quantity or improved quality of natural habitat than existed prior to development.

  • The created and enhanced habitat resulting from BNG will be secured for a minimum of 30 years, with habitat serving as a proxy for biodiversity calculation.

  • In the BNG context, a distinction is made between biodiversity units, representing the output of the biodiversity metric, and statutory credits, which act as a fallback option for developers if on-site or off-site solutions are not feasible.


Biodiversity net gain (BNG) is a method aimed at creating and enhancing natural habitats, ensuring that new developments have a quantifiably positive impact on biodiversity compared to the pre-development state.



  • Biodiversity is measured in standardized units, influenced by factors such as habitat size, quality, location, and type. The calculation of biodiversity units involves using a statutory biodiversity metric tool, which applies a formula to determine the units present before development, the units required to replace those lost, and achieve the 10% BNG.


  • The rules regarding BNG apply to developers of major developments (mandatory), small sites from April 2024, and nationally significant infrastructure projects from late November 2025.



What are the related regulations?

The key regulations include the Environment Act 2021 (Commencement No. 8 and Transitional Provisions) Regulations [2024], Biodiversity Gain Requirements (Exemptions) Regulations [2024], Biodiversity Gain (Town and Country Planning) (Modifications and Amendments) (England) Regulations [2024], and Biodiversity Gain Requirements (Irreplaceable Habitat) Regulations [2024].


  • Developers must submit a Defra metric baseline assessment and a Habitat Enhancement, Management, and Monitoring Plan (HEMMP) to demonstrate how they will achieve a 10% biodiversity net gain.



Technology to use

  • One click LCA


Resources





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