Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is becoming a cornerstone in the building design and construction industry. As sustainability takes precedence, developers are increasingly focusing on how even small-scale projects can significantly contribute to biodiversity. Understanding and leveraging small site metrics is vital for achieving effective BNG compliance. The concept of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) has emerged as an essential framework in promoting sustainable development within the construction sector. This approach ensures that new developments leave biodiversity in a better state than before. As the focus on environmental sustainability heightens, industry professionals must navigate the complexities of BNG compliance, particularly when dealing with small site metrics. These metrics present unique challenges and opportunities, requiring a keen understanding of their role in enhancing biodiversity on smaller scales. The integration of a BNG calculator in project planning facilitates accurate assessment and implementation of these metrics, ensuring compliance and ecological enhancement. Comprehending small site metrics Small site metrics play a pivotal role in the context of BNG, serving as benchmarks to gauge the ecological value of a project. They ensure that even minor developments contribute positively to local ecosystems. By measuring elements such as habitat quality and connectivity, these metrics help project planners make informed decisions that align with BNG goals. The integration of a BNG calculator in project planning facilitates accurate assessment and implementation of these metrics, ensuring compliance and ecological enhancement. These metrics are crucial because they hold all projects accountable, regardless of size, to maintain or improve the ecological balance. In this way, developers can contribute to broader biodiversity objectives by recognising the cumulative impact of small-scale developments. Maintaining stringent small-site metrics can lead to significant long-term benefits for local wildlife and plant life. When implementing small site metrics, it’s essential to consider both quantitative and qualitative aspects of biodiversity assessment. This includes evaluating factors such as species richness, habitat distinctiveness and ecological connectivity. Understanding these components helps developers create more targeted and effective biodiversity enhancement strategies. The metric system typically assigns numerical values to different habitat types, considering their condition and strategic significance within the local ecological network. The role of BNG calculators BNG calculators are indispensable tools for developers aiming to achieve BNG compliance effectively. These digital solutions provide detailed assessments and projections that guide planners through the intricate process of metric evaluation and improvement plans. With these calculators, you can create comprehensive biodiversity metric sheets that map out necessary steps for enhancing local habitats while meeting legal requirements. The ease of using digital tools like BNG calculators cannot be overstated. They simplify complex calculations and offer real-time data analysis, enabling efficient resource allocation and strategic planning. These tools have revolutionised project management by providing clear pathways to achieving net gain outcomes. Challenges in implementing small site metrics Despite their importance, implementing small site metrics poses several challenges. Limited space and resources often constrain how much can be done within a given project area. Additionally, there may be gaps in knowledge or expertise among project teams regarding best practices for incorporating these metrics into design plans. One strategy to overcome these challenges involves leveraging digital tools alongside expert guidance. Engaging with ecologists or environmental consultants can provide valuable insights into optimising space usage for biodiversity benefits. Moreover, integrating innovative technologies into your workflow can streamline processes and enhance accuracy in metric calculations. Examples of small site metrics in use Several compelling examples showcase the effective application of small site metrics to achieve Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) in construction projects. For instance, residential development in a compact urban area can utilise these metrics to integrate living walls, bird boxes and pollinator-friendly plants, resulting in measurable increases in local biodiversity. Similarly, a small-scale commercial site in a suburban setting can apply small site metrics to enhance on-site green infrastructure, including the creation of a native wildflower meadow and rain gardens to support wildlife and improve water management.  Another example is the redevelopment of a brownfield site where metrics guide the installation of green roofs and restoration of nearby hedgerows, creating ecological corridors that benefit both flora and fauna. These examples demonstrate that even on constrained plots, small site metrics can enable tailored, impactful actions that contribute to broader biodiversity goals while meeting regulatory requirements and enhancing community value.

In line with its commitment to advancing sustainability practices, leading consultancy Tunley Environmental has released its latest guide focused on understanding Supply Chain Biodiversity Footprint (SCBF). This new resource provides actionable insights for businesses to assess and manage the biodiversity impacts across their supply chains, an increasingly important area for companies looking to meet sustainability targets and address their environmental responsibilities. SCBF is a metric used to measure the effects of a company’s operations on biodiversity through its entire supply chain. It helps businesses identify the extent of their environmental impact, particularly regarding species, habitats and ecosystems that are critical for maintaining biodiversity. This guide complements Tunley’s existing SCBF assessment and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) services. Key features of the guide include practical advice on integrating biodiversity performance into procurement and supply chain strategies. It also emphasises the importance of adopting industry standards and tools to ensure accurate assessments of biodiversity risks, including using metrics and reporting systems that align with global sustainability frameworks. By following the guide, companies can align their biodiversity strategies with their supply chain operation. The Supply Chain Biodiversity Footprint Guide is now available for download on the Tunley Environmental website. This resource is invaluable for sustainability managers, procurement leaders and corporate responsibility teams seeking to navigate the complexities of biodiversity management in their supply chains. For more information about the SCBF Guide and to access the guide, please visit Tunley Environmental Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Environment Bank has recently announced that it is working in collaboration with Barclays to support greater visibility and adoption of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) among housebuilders and England-based farmers. Environment Bank offers Biodiversity Units to developers to enable them to fulfil their BNG obligations. It works with farmers and landowners to generate these units by building ‘habitat banks’, supporting farmers to increase biodiversity, unlock a diversified revenue stream and build business resilience for their farms. BNG is an initiative that aims to make sure that property development in England has a measurably positive impact on biodiversity. To comply with the Environment Act 2021, developers in England must deliver a 10% net uplift in biodiversity relating to the site to be granted planning permission. Barclays’ developer clients will be able to purchase off-site Biodiversity Units from Environment Bank from a network of habitat banks around the country. As part of the collaboration, Environment Bank and Barclays are also highlighting opportunities for farmers and landowners to explore the BNG market as an avenue of accessing Nature markets, through Environment Bank’s model where it takes a 30-year lease on areas of land to deliver the biodiversity gains. Commenting on the collaboration, Catherine Spitzer, CEO of Environment Bank, said: “We are delighted to be working with Barclays and look forward to helping both its developer and agricultural clients to navigate the BNG market.” “I hope that working closely with Barclays’ clients in this way will make a significant contribution to nature restoration in England.” Adam White, Head of Agriculture, Barclays UK said:  “Not only does BNG support farmers and landowners to explore possible new revenue streams, but it also supports biodiversity uplift across the England and is a route for developers to comply with this new regulation. “This collaboration with Environment Bank helps ensure our customers are getting support to understand what is right for their business.” Environment Bank has already established a network of 28 Habitat Banks over almost 2,000 acres across England – with more than 20 additional sites already in development. It has a team of 85 experts working across ecology, land management, planning, and legal services. Its clients comprise SME and major housebuilders alongside significant commercial, utility, energy, and infrastructure developers. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals