Nature
As well as a crisis of global temperatures, the world is also in a biodiversity and nature crisis. Earth’s wildlife populations have declined by an average of 69% in just under 50 years and many scientists believe we are living through the planet’s sixth mass extinction event.
The historic agreement at COP15 in 2023 enshrined a shared commitment to protecting 30% of land and seas by 2030 offers a unique platform to step up our efforts to build a more regenerative, nature-led economy.
Why nature policy?
The biodiversity crisis has profound implications for humans living in our built environment, from leaving us more vulnerable to extreme weather caused by climate change to affecting food and water supplies.
As the voice of our sustainable built environment, UKGBC works to develop and deliver nature-led solutions for homes, buildings and spaces that enhance climate-resilience, reverse nature’s decline and create a more regenerative future.
Key area of interest
Biodiversity Net Gain
UKGBC has worked closely with the Government on developing the policy of Biodiversity net gain for new development in England, since it was first proposed in 2018. We have participated extensively in key stakeholder groups and submitted detailed consultation responses to help improve and develop the policy, including organising roundtables with officials and our members to share directly valuable insight and experience. This has included specifically helping to develop the small sites metric.
Our industry insights and guidance project on BNG/ENG aims to provide further information and best practice guidance for members and practitioners, with a variety of resources available here. Our Nature recovery and Climate Resilience Playbook provides recommendations for local planning authorities on enacting ambitious BNG or related nature polices available here.
What policies do we propose?
Demystifying complex concepts
Embracing Biodiversity Net Gain
Put nature at the heart of the planning system
Halt nature’s decline by 2030
Our work so far
Blogs
Biodiversity Net Gain: Are you ready for the incoming legislation?
Delivering Biodiversity Net Gain can transform the UK’s built environment – but only if we prevent loopholes
BNG delay adds further blow to sustainable development and risks undermining efforts to protect nature
Biodiversity Net Gain plans include both welcome decisions and missed opportunities
