Nature

UKGBC works closely with relevant government departments, including combined, devolved and local authorities, on key policies to ensure development has a positive impact on nature, people, and places.

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 UK’s Environment Act has set a target to halt nature’s decline by 2023. The historic agreement at COP15 in 2022 enshrined a shared commitment to protecting 30% of land and seas by 2030. This offers a unique platform to step up our efforts to secure nature’s recovery.

Why nature policy?

The ecological 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.

Discover our work on nature

What policies do we propose?

UKGBC works across the built environment to support nature-led projects by:

Driving Biodiversity Net Gain

Supporting developers to respond to changes in UK legislation, participating in Government expert groups, and providing advice to ensure the policy is delivered effectively.

Putting nature at the heart of the planning system

Local and national planning policy is vital for encouraging nature positive development.

Regreening urban environments

We are calling for the necessary policies, funds and mechanisms to be put in place to re-green our existing urban environments, delivering nature-based solutions and green spaces.

Tackling nutrient pollution

We are working with our members to explore truly sustainable solutions to nutrient pollution attributable to the built environment and support sustainable new developments.

Our work so far

Biodiversity Net Gain

We’re working closely with an industry steering group to shape guidance for Biodiversity Net Gain.
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Value of Nature Based Solutions

Both industry and policy makers can learn from our resource that outlines the different value nature can bring.
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Climate Resilience and Nature Playbook

Guidance for local authorities on bringing nature into towns and communities.
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Principles for Delivering Urban Nature-based Solutions

A technical report that sets out sets out six principles to assist developers and owners in the design, delivery and operation of urban NBS
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Blogs

Nature

Nature is in crisis.  The built environment has a critical role to play in protecting and restoring nature and moving to a regenerative model of development.
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