Biodiversity Net Gain Bill UK: A Game-Changer for Student Accommodation Developers

The Biodiversity Net Gain Bill (BNG bill) is one of the major bills that will affect the real estate industry in the UK and everyone who is a part of it. A new, legally enforceable aim for species abundance for 2030 is part of the Environment Act, which will aid in reversing the decline of iconic British species including the hedgehog, red squirrel, and water vole.

The Bill comes as an addition to the Environment Act. The student accommodation developers will have to showcase how they are improving biodiversity by providing the authorities with a step-by-step process that will be followed throughout the project. However, there would be some properties that shall be exempted from this bill like self-build homes.

With the fast-developing policies, the BNG bill will become a legal requirement for any new developments taking place in England. Scotland is aiming for "Net Positive Effects," which has been recently accepted at the Corporate level to give back to society and the environment. Wales wants to achieve "Net Benefits for Biodiversity,” an approach for the developers to demonstrate that they have met their targets for maintaining and enhancing biodiversity. In Northern Ireland, there is an increasing need for public entities and development proposals to consider biodiversity conservation.

What is the Biodiversity Net Gain Bill?

The word biodiversity comes from “biological diversity”, referring to a variety of living organisms, including animals, plants, bacteria, and fungi. The BNG bill talks about a 10% benefit to the flora and fauna present at the site, from all the construction projects including PBSA and HMO development projects. The UK is going to make this bill mandatory, making sure that the biodiversity of the country is also benefitting from the development of land.

• The Biodiversity Net Gain bill provides an approach for student accommodation developers to develop a property that leaves the environment in a better position. It can be achieved through a variety of on-site and off-site measures. On-site measures include enhancing and improving the environmental quality of the land where the development of property is in progress. In an off-site measure, the owner is to buy land away from the property to implement steps for the improvement of nature and biodiversity.

• For instance, between 2012 and 2014, a trial of biodiversity offsetting was conducted in six pilot regions across England. The strategy was only designed for England but Scotland and Wales have also suggested their framework for measuring biodiversity, benefiting the environment, and satisfying local authorities; neither of these countries were included in the policy. These steps are taken, not only to offset the negative impact of the development but also to increase the natural habitat and diversity by 10%, considering the net gain.

What are the Ten Mandatory Principles of the BNG Bill UK?

Ten mandatory principles are established by the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM), which help achieve biodiversity net gain when applied. The results of these principles might vary due to the difference in the natural species available in the plot of land. For instance, if the land does not have a lot of animal or plant species, then the process of offsetting the negative impact is simple as they just have to get permission from the authorities.

On the contrary, if it has any protected species, a British Licensed Ecologist will ensure that they are not affected. Hence, it may become necessary to conduct a protected species survey before the actual development.

If a development disrupts and results in a loss of biodiversity, the ecologist would need to figure out a way to securely relocate them somewhere else. Once development is complete, they would need to make sure the site's biodiversity level is at the same level as it was before development before raising it by an additional 10%.

Here are the Principles of the BNG Bill UK:

A. Utilize the mitigation hierarchy to minimize the impact on Biodiversity

B. Eliminate negative impacts on biodiversity that cannot be offset elsewhere

C. Involve all pre-development and post-development stakeholders in forming mandatory net gain solutions

D. Understand the potential risks and variable factors to achieve biodiversity net gain

E. Determine a suitable method to secure a better state of biodiversity

F. Ensure the best possible outcomes from biodiversity net gain

G. Offers nature conservation that exceeds the BNG requirements

H. Focus on generating long-term environmental benefits from biodiversity net gain

I. Cover all areas of sustainability, incorporating economic and societal factors

J. Communicate all biodiversity net gain outcomes with complete transparency

Impact of Biodiversity Net Gain Bill UK

The bill was introduced to protect the various natural diversities of plants and animals. It creates a balance between development while maintaining the natural habitat of the place. The initial benefits of the Biodiversity Net Gain Bill include the maintenance of the natural assets of the site of development. If there are chances that the natural habitat may be harmed, then they can be moved to some other place away from the site. The Bill does not only talk about the maintenance of biodiversity but also increases it by 10%, which can be measured using biodiversity units to biodiversity values, even if it means doing the same away from the land in development.

Additionally, a glance at the Cushman Wakefield report tells us about the number of beds that are in the pipeline for development. The report shows that there are around 57% of beds have been approved already but the ones that have not, need to include a plan showing consideration for the bill in their pre-planning. The bill shall also be required for the approval of the 22000 beds that are in the pipeline for 2024-25. As it is a mandate that needs to be followed by all PBSA developers in the coming years.

The Biodiversity Net Gain bill also seeks to introduce a Biodiversity tariff within itself which is to be utilized as an incentive to retain irreplaceable habitats and plant life on the site of development. It also encourages people to participate in habitat creation and enhancement schemes and any initiative that needs to be taken by the Local authorities that aim to protect the environment.

• There are various studies taking place in the UK to prove the effectiveness of the policy. One of the same studies showcases that 95% of the increase in biodiversity was on-site rather than being done on purchased land away from the property. They also show that the sample has shown improvement in biodiversity than what was before establishments.
• DEFRA claims that 75% of the increase in biodiversity should happen on-site and the feasibility of the same shall be determined by the number of units the plot of land started with and the specification of the projects.
• Evidence from the studies suggests that biodiversity net gain, which has only recently been launched, may experience changes during the early infancy period. Because they can't do it on their property, it might be typical for developers to improve biodiversity in other regions of England. Still, these findings imply that it is a successful way to improve the environment.
• Moreover, the Biodiversity Net Gain bill shall also come under the Environment Act and be an extension. It shall be applicable from November of 2023. It is an amendment being made to the Environment Act, which says that in the development of any property, there shall be an increase in the Biodiversity of the place and the land by 10%. Defra - The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs has established some goals in the form of a 25-year plan. The overall objective of these ten goals is to improve the environment and make it a better place to live.

These ten  goals include:

A. Thriving plants and wildlife

B. Clean air

C. Clean and plentiful water

D. Managing exposure to chemicals and pesticides

E. Maximize our resources, minimize our waste

F. Using resources from nature sustainably

G. Mitigating and adapting to climate change

H. Reduced risk of harm from environmental hazards

I. Enhancing biosecurity

J. Enhancing beauty, heritage, and engagement with the natural environment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Bill, an integral part of the Environment Act in the UK, sets forth a significant and legally enforceable aim for enhancing species abundance by 2030. The BNG will mandate maintaining biodiversity balance while also advocating for a 10% increase, even if achieved off-site. The Bill further proposes a Biodiversity tariff to incentivize habitat preservation and promote environmental initiatives.

Studies are already underway to evaluate the effectiveness of the policy, with initial findings indicating a positive trajectory. Student accommodation developers are showing a willingness to enhance biodiversity on-site, and the Biodiversity Net Gain Bill stands as a promising avenue to improve the environment in a concerted effort to conserve and elevate the nation's biodiversity. List your property with amber to stay updated on all market trends and expand your property portfolio.

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