Does biodiversity net gain affect carbon reporting?

Not directly, but the two are closely linked. Habitat creation for BNG (such as woodland planting or wetland restoration) can also sequester carbon. Organisations should consider both metrics when planning land use to maximise environmental co-benefits.

Who needs to comply with biodiversity net gain?

From 2024, all planning permissions granted in England must deliver at least 10% BNG. This applies to most new developments, with some exemptions for householder applications, small-scale self-build, and biodiversity gain sites themselves. The requirement is enforced through planning conditions.

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)

A planning requirement in England under the Environment Act 2021 that mandates all new developments deliver at least a 10% increase in biodiversity value compared to the pre-development baseline.

What is Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)?

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is a mandatory requirement in England that took effect in February 2024 for major developments and April 2024 for smaller developments. Under this policy, developers must demonstrate that a project will leave biodiversity in a measurably better state than before development.

The biodiversity value is measured using DEFRA's statutory biodiversity metric, which scores habitats based on their size, condition, distinctiveness, and strategic significance. If on-site habitat creation is insufficient, developers can purchase statutory biodiversity credits or invest in off-site habitat enhancement.

BNG intersects with carbon and sustainability strategy because natural habitats (woodlands, wetlands, grasslands) also serve as carbon sinks. Organisations managing land or property portfolios need to consider both carbon sequestration potential and biodiversity value when making land-use decisions.

Practical Examples

A property developer calculates the pre-development biodiversity units on a brownfield site and designs a landscaping scheme that delivers a 15% net gain through native wildflower meadows and new hedgerows.

A logistics company purchasing statutory biodiversity credits for a new warehouse development invests in a local wetland restoration project that also delivers carbon sequestration benefits.

A local authority uses the DEFRA biodiversity metric to assess planning applications and ensure all new developments meet the 10% BNG threshold.

How Climatise Helps

Climatise helps organisations understand the carbon implications of land use and habitat management. By tracking both carbon sequestration from nature-based solutions and biodiversity outcomes, you get a complete picture of your environmental impact.

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